Biogas Microbiologist

Designation: Senior Microbiologist Department: Production Quality Assurance / Quality Control Laboratory Location: Baheri Plant [ Uttar Pradesh] – Nearest City: Baheri [12 km], Kichha [15 km], Rudrapur [35 km], Bareilly [50 km] Purpose of the Role To ensure microbiological balance in the process and quality of product & byproduct by performing routine and special microbiological analysis in compliance with ISO 20675, ISO 24252, AOAC and internal quality standards. Key Responsibilities 1. Microbiological Testing  Perform microbiological analysis of: o Feedstock /Raw materials [press mud, napier grass, maize, paddy straw, cow dung, waste from poultry farm, vegetable waste, diary waste etc.] o Purified biogas o Processed & in-process samples o Water (RO, potable, boiler, chilled water) o Liquid and Solid fermented organic manure  Conduct tests such as: o Dry matter & organic dry matter o Bio-methane Potential o Total Alkalinity o Total Volatile Fatty Acids o FOS/TAC o NH4-Ntot o H2Stot o BOD & COD o Acid Spectrum (C2-C6) o Phosphorus (P2O5) o Potassium(K2O) o Total Organic Carbon o Micro nutrient and trace elements for bio gas reactor  Maintain accuracy, integrity, and traceability of test results. 2. Quality & Compliance  Ensure compliance with: o ISO 20675 o ISO 24252 o AOAC [Association of Official Analytical chemists] - USA o HACCP & GMP o IS 16087 - India o Fertilizer [Control] Order -India  Monitor critical control points (CCPs) related to microbiological safety and growth.  Support internal and external audits. 3. Laboratory Management  Maintain laboratory hygiene, sterilization, and safety procedures.  Prepare, sterilize, and handle culture media, reagents, and solutions.  Ensure calibration and proper usage of lab equipment (incubators, autoclave, laminar air flow, etc.).  Maintain lab consumables inventory. 4. Production Instruction  daily feeding menu based on laboratory test result  audit of storage yards to ensure that deterioration of stored feedstock is minimal or best in industry  evaluate new feedstocks and present to management 5. Documentation & Records  Maintain complete records of: o Test results o Media preparation o Equipment logs o Calibration & validation records  Prepare COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for microbiological parameters.  Report deviations, non-conformities, and corrective actions. 6. Process & Hygiene Monitoring  Conduct hygiene audits of: o Production area o Personnel practices o Equipment and utensils  Guide production staff on hygiene and sanitation practices  Prepare SOP for process standardization. 7. Coordination & Reporting  Coordinate with: o Production shift engineer o Third-party testing laboratories  Immediately report abnormal or failed results to Plant Head.  Assist in investigations and root cause analysis. Qualifications  M.Sc in Microbiology / phd in Environmental Microbiology  Knowledge of safety systems and microbiological standards.  Benchtop pH & Redox Meter, Autoclave & Drying Oven (with Muffle Furnace), FOS/TAC Titrator, Spectrophotometer, Kjeldahl Nitrogen Analyzer, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatograph (GC) etc. Experience: 6-8 years of relevant experience Reporting To  Plant Head