Magnet.me  -  The smart network where hbo and wo students find their internship and first job.

The smart network where hbo and wo students find their internship and first job.

This opportunity has expired. It is therefore no longer possible to like or apply.

See similar opportunities instead

Microbiologist

Posted 22 Mar 2024
Work experience
2 to 5 years
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Job function
Degree level
Required languages
English (Fluent)
Dutch (Fluent)

Your career starts on Magnet.me

Create a profile and receive smart job recommendations based on your liked jobs.

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 perform 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:

• Be responsible for internal lab operational programs including (but not limited to) lab safety, hygiene, and quality programs.

• Coordinate and perform a variety of administrative and technical activities in support of the day to day running of the Europe Regional Microbiology Laboratory.

This associate is a crucial member of the Regional Microbiological Laboratory team and reports directly to the Europe Microbiology Lab Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Microbiological Analysis

• Perform analyses according to the standard operating procedures in the laboratory, delivering true and accurate results in a timely manner.

• Record and validate test results.

• Maintain documentation of test results and testing traceability in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

• Maintain documentation and records according to Regional Lab Quality Management System.

• Ensure analysis and preparation equipment are kept in optimal operating conditions.

• Inform the drift of the analysis equipment through the monitoring of the control charts to the Laboratory Operations Manager.

• Participate in the validation of equipment and test methods.

• Participate in proficiency testing schemes as part of on-going competency verification.

• Perform environmental monitoring in the laboratory through the analysis of swabs and air plates according to the environmental monitoring program.

• Perform the verification of incoming consumables and reference standards to ensure compliance prior to use in the laboratory.

• Participate in the management of inventory, reagents and consumables to avoid stock-outs and monitor other regional laboratory needs on regular basis.

• Participate in waste management and decontamination of the laboratory and waste generated from analysis.

• Actively participate in the management of non-conformities, corrective actions and preventive actions, as well as the continuous improvement of Management Systems related to Safety, Quality and Environment.

• Operate, verify and maintain laboratory instrumentation.

• When appropriate, contribute to writing/creating documents or procedures in accordance with the laboratory’s Quality Management System and Mars Global Laboratory Quality Management System.

• Work as a team player with open and honest communication while respecting confidentiality with any laboratory information.

• Follow Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) requirements for the site and laboratory.

2. Media Preparation

• Responsible for making microbiological media and reagents for the laboratory.

• Maintain stock of prepared media to ensure no work is delayed due to lack of supplies.

• Performing quality checks and documentation as required.

• Decontamination of biohazardous waste and completing all associated documentation.

• Maintain documentation and records according to the Regional Lab Quality Management System and the standard it aligns to.

• Ensure the privacy and security of all sensitive 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 and 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.

• Reporting to the Regional Microbiology Operations Manager, this role supports the operation of the BSL2 microbiology laboratory.

Job Specifications/Qualifications:

• 2 or more years’ experience with microbiological analyses in food or related industries (advanced education may partially substitute for required experience).

• Knowledge and accuracy in running and maintaining necessary analytical instrumentation is required.

• Experience working in a production lab environment (advantageous).

• Knowledge of ISO 17025 standard (advantageous).

Knowledge / Experience

• Masters the key scientific principles associated with Microbiological assays.

• Understanding of microbiological testing techniques including FDA BAM/ISO testing methodologies.

• Technical laboratory background in food pathogens testing methods, e.g. Salmonella, Listeria, etc. is an asset.

• Knowledge of laboratory cross contaminations management/mitigation.

• Skilled expertise and diligence in aseptic techniques.

• Technical knowledge and expertise in the use of microbiological culture and molecular techniques.

• Skilled in sample preparation, homogenization and serial dilutions.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety, chemicals management and chemical hygiene plans.

• Demonstrated experience and skill with Spreadsheet software (MS Excel preferred) and Word.

• Excellent organizational skills to adapt to fluctuating workloads while maintaining attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently or as a member of a team.

• Flexibility to changing priorities and timelines.

• Proven written and verbal communication skills in English or Dutch.

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

What employees are saying

Marlie Joosten

Sales & Marketing Trainee

Marlie Joosten

Congratulations, you (almost) graduated! And with your freshly obtained master degree in your pocket, you might be wondering; what’s next? At least, that’s where I found myself after my studies, thinking about which way to go.
I knew I was looking for a challenging job in…

Jaap van Erp

R&D Trainee

Jaap van Erp

Working at the largest Chocolate Company of the world… To be honest this was not what I had in mind when I started my studies Water Management. Nevertheless I am currently working in the FMCG business and I particularly chose for this career path outside my comfort…