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Senior Microbiologist

Posted 24 Mar 2024
Work experience
5 to 7 years
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Job function
Degree level
Required languages
English (Fluent)
Dutch (Fluent)

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Job Purpose/Overview::

Every day Mars Incorporated takes thousands of decisions that are informed by laboratory data. It is essential that Mars Associates have access to laboratory data that is accurate, reliable and timely to ensure consumer and brand protection, provide competitive advantage and enable operational excellence.

The Associate will support optimal functioning of the Europe Regional Microbiology Laboratory by providing technical expertise and conducting microbiological testing in the Regional Microbiology Laboratory in support of Mars Petcare, MWC and Food.

The associate will ensure compliance with the Mars Global Laboratory Quality Standard and ISO 17025 as well as execute internal lab operations, internal technical support and technical governance services by:

  • Ensuring internal lab operational programs including (but not limited to) lab safety, hygiene, and quality programs are strictly followed.
  • Act as back-up support to the Laboratory Operations Manager.
  • Manage troubleshooting of technical issues with equipment at the first level.
  • Contribute to lab governance activities through external laboratory technical audits, execution and follow-up in microbiology field.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform analysis on raw materials, in-process products, environmental samples, finished products and project-driven analysis, and delivering true, accurate results in a timely manner.
  • Assist and provide back-up to the Laboratory Operations Manager in managing day-to-day operations of the lab and emergencies by constantly adapting resources within the laboratory.
  • Assure the quality of test results by identifying atypical data or changes in quality of analytical data.
  • Validates analytical data and performs final reviews with release of data.
  • Responsible for planning and executing equipment maintenance on laboratory instrumentation to guarantee reliability of equipment used the laboratory.
  • Monitor the microbiology control charts and communicate drifts to the Laboratory Operations Manager.
  • Consult on and deliver results for projects, meeting all agreed timelines and testing requirements.
  • Execute problem solving for troubleshooting of technical issues with methods and equipment in consultation with the Central Lab Microbiology Program Manager.
  • Act as a microbiology technical auditor for external labs as part of the Mars Lab Governance Program deployment.
  • Communicate and resolve sample issues as they arise (receiving, preparation, and internal/external testing requirements).
  • Interface with laboratory clients to report data, clarify results interpretation, contribute to experimental designs, and recommend future direction.
  • Identify training needs with the Lab Operations Manager and update the training matrix for Associates.
  • Participate in training of microbiologist to reach a level of competency.
  • Collaborate with QMP & Safety Coordinator to ensure all training records for unit/analysis are completed and up-to-date.
  • When appropriate, assist with writing documents and records using the guidelines as set in the Laboratory ISO 17025 Quality Management System, and Mars Global Laboratory Quality Management System.
  • Stay current with modern technology by attending meetings and short courses.
  • Sample management and laboratory clean-up processes.
  • Administration of laboratory operational programs including all new lab safety initiatives, safety training, hygiene plans, inventory, hazardous waste, and overall lab organization/cleanliness.
  • Guides implementation and sustainability of ISO 17025 and Mars Laboratory Quality Standard.
  • Contributes to internal laboratory Quality Control through the use and continuous monitoring of secondary standards through identification, verification and qualification of incoming reference standards.
  • Follow KPI’s and participate in progress plans.
  • Follow Health & Safety requirements at all times.
  • Works independently while communicating all business risks, laboratory issues and any other areas of concern to the Laboratory Operations Manager.
  • Work as a team player including maintaining open and honest communication, and respecting confidentiality with any laboratory information.

Context and Scope

The scope of this role is to ensure optimal function of the laboratory analysis in the Regional Laboratory.

The laboratory conducts microbiological analyses on but not limited to raw materials, environmental samples, stability samples, finished products.

This role is also responsible for participation in developing programs in support of product development, stability, food quality and safety and other business functions.

As the Regional Microbiology Laboratory operates 7 days per week, this role may be required to work in shifts over the 7-day week operation.

Up to 20% regional travel with occasional weekends away from home due to the participation to the laboratories audit.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field (natural or food science)
  • 5 or more years’ experience in a Microbiology laboratory (advantageous).
  • 2-4 years’ experience in a Microbiology Laboratory conducting complex microbiological assays (PCR and Serotyping) utilizing a Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) (Preferred)

Knowledge / Experience

  • Technical knowledge and expertise in aseptic techniques, culture techniques and serotyping.
  • Advanced technical and functional expertise in the Microbiology Laboratory.
  • Understanding of key scientific principles associated with food systems including FDA BAM/ISO testing methodologies.
  • Technical laboratory background in Food pathogens testing methods, e.g. Salmonella, Listeria
  • Knowledge of laboratory cross contaminations management/mitigation.
  • Demonstrated experience and skill with Spreadsheet software (MS Excel preferred), Word, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
  • Practical laboratory skills and ability to troubleshoot/maintain complex laboratory instrumentation.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of biohazard control, laboratory safety, chemical management and hygiene plans.
  • Must be organized and have outstanding follow-up skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently or lead a team. Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  • Flexibility to changing priorities and timelines.
  • Good communication skills, both written and spoken English and Dutch.
  • Strong communication and report writing skills.
  • Experience working in a production lab environment (preferred but not required).

We are a family owned global business. It gives us freedom to think in generations, not in years. It gives us responsibility to make decisions carefully. What we decide today should be the right way tomorrow. Our tomorrow starts with how we do business today.
As a Mars Associate, you have our ongoing commitment to your development as you work…


We are a family owned global business. It gives us freedom to think in generations, not in years. It gives us responsibility to make decisions carefully. What we decide today should be the right way tomorrow. Our tomorrow starts with how we do business today.
As a Mars Associate, you have our ongoing commitment to your development as you work across our world famous brands. We tailor our mentoring and coaching to each individual. We help you build a better tomorrow, through support today.

FMCG
Veghel
Active in 80 countries
3,500 employees
60% men - 40% women
Average age is 34 years

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