Quality Control Microbiologist

Lief Labs is a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements. Our in-house Product Development and R&D team create the best-tasting and most cutting-edge formulations of supplements. Lief also houses a state-of-the-art, full-service Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing facility, which offers custom solutions for a multitude of supplement categories. Lief collaborates with entrepreneurial firms to help them build premier brands. Our turnkey solutions allow us to engage in seamless partnerships that help brands with scalability and sustainable growth. The company is based in Valencia, CA.

Summary

The primary purpose of Quality Control Microbiologist is to monitor and analyze on a variety of samples in Lief’s Quality Control Microbiology laboratory. This person must comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Laboratory Safety and any regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

1. Perform microbiological testing of all raw materials, in-process materials and finished products to ensure it meets the established specifications.
2. Monitor microbiological testing from outside lab for all raw materials, in-process materials and finished products to ensure it meets the established specifications.
3. Ensure testing is conducted in a timely manner.
4. Support development and implement the environmental monitoring program in the lief facility.
5. Assist with product, equipment, cleaning and sanitizing verification.
6. Write and/or approve validation protocols, coordinate and/or perform validation and write and/or approve validation reports
7. Maintain microbiology laboratory equipment and calibrations.
8. Complete out-of-specification investigations and properly document out-of-specification results.
9. Provide microbiology, cleaning and sanitation related training to employees.
10. Ensure proper documentation for all tests and other activities performed.
11. Write, revise and review standard operating procedures, protocols and reports for microbiology laboratory
12. Develop and maintain facility cleaning and sanitization master plan.
13. Perform any other assignments as assigned by Quality Control Supervisor or designee.
14. Participate in quality internal and external audits and all required training
15. Provide regular updates to Quality Control Supervisor or designee

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Equivalent of a Bachelor of Science or higher in Microbiology or a related science field
• Preferably with 2-5 years of work experience in Microbiology Laboratory environment
• Quality Control experience strongly preferred
• Basic technical knowledge of basic microbiological testing methods (APC, Yeast & Mold, Coliforms, E. Coli, S. Aureus, Salmonella, etc.).
• Be a self-starter with the ability to positively motivate others in a cooperative fashion.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Can work with minor supervision and able to work independently.
• Need to be a great team player
• Able to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, as well as ability to work in a detail-oriented manner.

· Committed to safety and compliance with lab procedures/guidelines and standard operating procedures

Work Environment

The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted, and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.

Exposed to various raw materials, including allergens (i.e. milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanuts, wheat, soy).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, crawl, sit, talk, move about, hear and speak. May be required to work in restricted spaces and/or under difficult lighting and access conditions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds and be able to use appropriate support equipment to lift and move greater amounts. Must be able to stand for approximately 8 hours.

Must be able to work independently, in a team environment, and drive projects to solutions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to use properly use such safety equipment as is appropriate to the work to prevent injury to self or others.

Additional Information
The Salary Range for this position at Lief Labs is $61,000.00-$75,500.00 (USD). Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, skills, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, wellness benefits, education reimbursement program, and PTO. This position is bonus eligible.

Lief is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact the Lief Human Resources department.

Lief will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Lief uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility in the United States. E-Verify compares the information on your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to official government records.