Senior Microbiologist

Position : Senior Microbiologist – Spices, Herbs & Steam SterilizationDepartmentQuality Assurance / Quality ControlLocationShamirpet,Hyderabad, TelanganaExperience3–10 + Years (Mandatory experience in spices, herbs, botanicals, nutraceuticals or food ingredients)QualificationM.Sc. / Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Biotechnology or related discipline.Additional certifications in Food Safety, HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS or FSMA will be an added advantage.Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist to lead microbiological quality assurance for our spice, herbal, and botanical ingredient processing operations. The ideal candidate should possess extensive knowledge of microbiological testing, contamination control, commercial steam sterilization processes, validation studies, environmental monitoring, and international food safety standards.The candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all products consistently meet customer specifications and global microbiological standards while optimizing commercial sterilization processes without compromising product quality.Key Responsibilities1. Microbiology Laboratory ManagementLead the microbiology laboratory and ensure compliance with GLP and laboratory best practices.Develop, review and approve microbiological testing protocols.Supervise microbiology analysts and laboratory technicians.Ensure calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments.Maintain laboratory documentation, SOPs and validation records.2. Microbiological TestingHands-on expertise in testing of:Total Plate Count (TPC)Yeast & MoldColiformsE. coliSalmonellaBacillus cereusStaphylococcus aureusEnterobacteriaceaeClostridium species (where applicable)Water microbiological analysisEnvironmental swab monitoringInterpret microbiological trends and recommend corrective actions.3. Steam Sterilization ExpertiseThe candidate must have practical experience in:Commercial Steam SterilizersContinuous Steam Sterilization SystemsBatch Steam SterilizersValidation of sterilization cyclesHeat penetration studiesMicrobial reduction validationProcess optimizationSteam quality verificationCritical Control Point (CCP) monitoringSterility assuranceShould be capable of:Establishing sterilization parametersValidating kill stepsOptimizing temperature, pressure and residence timeAchieving target microbiological reduction while maintaining product quality, colour, aroma and active constituents.4. Process ValidationLead and execute:Validation protocolsRevalidation studiesChallenge studiesShelf-life microbiological studiesCleaning validationEnvironmental validationWater system validation5. Root Cause AnalysisInvestigate failures related to:High Total Plate CountYeast & Mold failuresSalmonella contaminationCross contaminationRepeated microbiological deviationsCustomer complaintsUse structured problem-solving tools such as:Fishbone Analysis5 Why AnalysisCAPAFMEA6. Regulatory ComplianceEnsure compliance with:BRCISO 22000HACCPGMPGHPUS FDAEU Food Safety RegulationsASTA GuidelinesESA GuidelinesCustomer-specific microbiological specifications7. Customer & Audit SupportSupport:Customer auditsThird-party auditsRegulatory inspectionsSupplier qualificationTechnical discussions with international customersProvide technical responses for microbiological deviations and customer queries.8. Product CategoriesExperience in one or more of the following is preferred:SpicesHerbsBotanical powdersHerbal extractsNutraceutical ingredientsDehydrated vegetablesTea ingredientsFunctional food ingredients9. DocumentationPrepare and maintain:SOPsValidation ReportsRisk AssessmentsCAPA ReportsInvestigation ReportsTrend AnalysisMonthly Quality ReportsSterilization RecordsRequired Technical SkillsStrong knowledge of food microbiologySteam sterilization technologyThermal process validationEnvironmental monitoringMicrobial challenge studiesRisk assessmentLaboratory quality systemsMethod validationStatistical analysisMicrobiology data trendingRoot cause analysisDesired SkillsStrong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.Excellent communication and report-writing skills.Ability to work with cross-functional teams including Production, QA, Engineering and R&D.Experience in training and mentoring laboratory personnel.Customer-facing technical support experience is desirable.Preferred Industry ExperienceCandidates with experience in organizations involved in:Spice ProcessingHerbal IngredientsBotanical ExtractsNutraceutical ManufacturingFood Ingredient ProcessingSteam Sterilization FacilitiesExport-Oriented Food Manufacturingwill be given preference.Employment TypeFull-TimeCompensationCompetitive salary based on qualifications, expertise, and relevant industry experience.