Associate Scientist, Microbiology Laboratory Lead is responsible for ensuring microbiology laboratory's compliance to MARS standards to verify the effectiveness of the site/s quality and food safety programs.
The role is the main point of contact for microbiology laboratory stakeholders and manages day to day operations of the laboratory, train new associates/contractors, drive continues improvement to develops best practices that impact how technologies & processes in microbiological analysis are implemented, contributes to the growth of microbiology laboratory capabilities, support project and initiatives within R&D strategy.
This role that is expected to provide technical guidance in food safety and cross contamination risk assessments, guidance in trouble shooting - root cause analysis and recommendations to the business on matters regarding microbiology to achieve and ensure the requirements of the Mars Quality Principle]
This role will work closely with site’s production, supply chain, Q&FS teams, commercial, UPC, regional MGS Lab and external lab services. The associate will be personally involved in microbiological testing of raw material, environmental, finished products, product disposition and the quality management systems of the laboratory. The associate will pursue continuous improvement and value leadership opportunities through cross functional collaboration.
Minimum qualifications: Must have a tertiary qualification in Microbiology science (at least degree in Microbiology Science) or in one of the following related discipline areas: Food science, Food Technology, biological science.
Preferred qualifications: Experience in Micro-verification standards (e.g., ISO 6579-1:2017, BAM, etc.), Working knowledge of ISO 17025 standard, Advanced English Skills.
>3 years’ experience within a commercial/ FMCG (Cocoa/Chocolate, Dairy, or Pharmaceutical) lab and mainly in quality management.
Masters the key scientific principles associated with microbiological analysis, technical knowledge in Product and Process technology. Experience in developing, deploying or implementing chemistry testing methods, ideally in food testing lab.
Understand GMP, Safety, Food safety and quality standards and procedure, Have knowledge in QM tools (ISO 9001, HACCP, FSSC 22000) and Internal auditing.
Excellent practical laboratory skill. Ability to troubleshoot and root cause analysis.
Basic knowledge of validation, calibration, and statistical methods including sampling plans, statistics and data interpretation.
Knowledge and skills in running and maintaining necessary microbiological instrumentation (e.g., VIDAS and/or Gene Up) is required.
Experience and skill in use of following: Microsoft office and Knowledge of LIMS.
Excellent organizational skills to adjust to fluctuating workloads, urgent stakeholders’ requests while maintaining attention to detail. Strong communication/report writing skill.
Manages quality Day to Day operations and Laboratory analysis;
Manage and supervise day to day activities and workload in the laboratory.
Ensure micro lab documentation and standards (e.g., research methods, cleaning/sanitation, maintenance, calibration, etc.). Maintain quality procedures including LQS and Prevention of cross contamination.
The role is the main point of contact for laboratory stakeholders and Manage sub-contracting of tests.
Manage and monitor procurement of consumables and services for the laboratory (manage required stock of supplementary materials e.g., tools, glassware, materials). Ensure the microbiological lab consumables available, stock-take by monthly, coordination with Commercial to purchase new equipment or materials. Support adherence to the budget input.
Organization of escalated testing i.e., mapping out a plan of escalated testing and tracking all data to be sent to stakeholders. Communicate result of analysis with acknowledged by Lab R&D Manager. Track and trace testing results as required. Participate at meetings effectively, liaise with stakeholders and communicate and interact actively with all functions.
Manage capability and utilization to ensure that the laboratory has adequate coverage to support the stakeholders.
Ensure laboratory’s representation at all technical risk assessments. Provides knowledge and exposure to fundamental theories, principles and concepts for microbiology science and laboratories. Being a part of HACCP team member.
The role is responsible to ensure all analyses product dispositions are completed in full and on time as per service level agreements.
Lead training of new staff and ensure all staff have up to date training records. Manage contract workers in the lab, including being responsible for their induction to Mars principles, approaches, and the standards (GLP, QMP, SOPs, etc.), as well as adherence to the ones. Manage contract workers in lab and alignment of resources with Lab Manager - Transparency of resource allocation.
Conduct microbiological analysis if needed, including: Sampling/resampling activities, Sample preparation and analysis of raw materials, hygiene, in-process, environmental and finished product according to Mars Global Quality & Food Safety requirements.
Attend all Lab COP meetings to keep up to date with global micro goings on/trends.
Apply the Mars Global Microbiological Verification program including assuring the microbiological quality and safety of all products and process from raw materials to finished goods.
Provide technical review of microbiology testing result to ensure accurate data analysis (data compile and BC365 before submitted for approval). Management of records and data quality in RMA, Veritas and BC365.
React and follow up when deviation occur and/or out of specification (OOS) results, provide recommendations to Laboratory Manager and make sure the corrective actions are implemented. Disposition management of finished products, Following Hold and Release procedure and PRIMP/LISP.
Manage lab assets and infrastructure: Implement AHC and calibration/maintenance program for lab equipment (procedure and lab equipment master list). Ensure lab equipment calibration process, ensure all lab equipment in good condition, accurate and still within calibration validity date. Maintain internal verification for lab equipment/instrument. Lab and equipment cleaning program.
Provide reports and data upon request of Site Food Safety Manager. Prepare and compile Weekly report, Monthly Quality Report and other regular report required, including capability Micro lab utilization.
Role model behaviors to promote Laboratory safety and Good Laboratory Practices.
Participation in Laboratory proficiency program and/or comparisons test (Make a schedule, preparation, organize and compile results).
Work effectively as a member of a High Performing Team.
Lead and implement compliance to standards;
Ensure Mars Laboratory is complaint to all MARS laboratory standards i.e., Micro Verification Standard, Lab Quality Standard – Prevention of cross contamination, GMP-GHP, QMP, PRIMP, LISP, etc.
Ensure all test methods keep up to date and meet both Mars Inc. & Local Govt. Legal Standards.
Ensure the laboratory follows Good Laboratory Practices and support implementation of ISO 17025
Ensure adherence to Mars Inc. safety rules or OHS standards that apply in Indonesia. Identify and implement measures to improve OHS, reduce risks in labs and meet safety KPI in site.
Ensure compliance to Mars QMP, relevant to the lab and support site QMP compliance program. Support quality non-conformities investigations, ensuring adherence to traceability and PRIMP std.
Drive continues improvement and support project;
Develop and deploy new microbiology research methods in collaboration with relevant external parties, regional and global stakeholders.
Actively to drive continuous improvement in Microbiological lab by doing the evaluation & interpretation of the trend results, research of methods and/or new methods validation. Implement and review quality sampling plan based on trend data. Contribute to cost and efficiency improvement activities.
Contribute into delivery of R&D strategy, supporting or running relevant projects.
Drive development of microbiological lab assets, utilities, and infrastructure, ensuring and driving effectiveness of cleaning/sanitation, management of change in microbiology lab, Contribution into site CAB planning.
Initiate and lead quality related improvement and problem-solving using root cause analysis tools such as 5 why approach.
Participate internal audits related to food safety and quality management system. Supporting of GMP and GLP audit as auditor and/or auditee.
Follow up corrective actions and verify effectiveness of implemented measures including management of CAPA in Nexus.
Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
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