Microbiologist Quality Control – Food Processing at eRecruiter

Shagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

28 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Microbiological Testing, Food Safety, HACCP, ISO 22000, NAFDAC Compliance, SON Requirements, Pathogen Detection, Aseptic Techniques, Laboratory Validation, Equipment Calibration, Environmental Monitoring, Corrective Action, Root Cause Analysis, Culture Media Preparation, Data Traceability, Plantain Flour

Industry

IT Services and IT Consulting

Description

Our client is a key player in the agricultural production sector. They are looking to hire a seasoned Microbiologist Quality Control experienced in the Food Processing industry. Job Summary The ideal candidate is responsible for conducting microbiological analyses of raw materials, in-process samples, finished plantain flour, and the production environment. The role ensures compliance with food safety standards (NAFDAC, SON, HACCP, ISO, FDA/EU requirements) and supports the company’s mission to deliver safe, high-quality plantain flour for local and international markets.This role is a food safety enforcement function, not a passive lab testing role. Essential responsibilities 1. Microbiological Testing & Surveillance • Perform routine and ad-hoc microbiological testing on: o raw plantains o processed flour o water systems o production surfaces o packaging materials • Monitor and quantify: o E. coli o Salmonella spp. o Total plate count (TPC) o Yeast and mold levels • Identify contamination trends before they become production risks 2. Food Safety & Compliance Monitoring • Support and enforce HACCP and ISO 22000 food safety systems • Ensure microbiological compliance with: o NAFDAC standards o SON requirements o applicable export regulations (FDA/USDA-aligned expectations where applicable) • Ensure all test results are documented, traceable, and audit-ready 3. Laboratory Systems & Method Development • Develop, validate, and standardize microbiological testing procedures • Ensure repeatability and accuracy of all lab methods • Maintain SOPs for all microbiological processes • Continuously improve testing efficiency and reliability 4. Laboratory Operations & Equipment Control • Maintain calibration and functionality of: o autoclaves o incubators o microscopes o colony counters • Ensure full sterility and cleanliness of laboratory environment • Enforce strict aseptic techniques across all lab activities 5. Hygiene & Environmental Monitoring • Conduct routine hygiene swabbing of: o equipment surfaces o production floors o staff hands and uniforms (where required) • Monitor environmental contamination risks in production zones • Flag hygiene breaches immediately and recommend corrective actions 6. Deviation Investigation & Corrective Action • Investigate microbiological failures or abnormal results • Identify root causes (raw material, process, environment, water, handling) • Recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) • Work directly with production and QA to enforce fixes 7. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with: o Production (process hygiene control) o QA/QC (product release decisions) o Maintenance (equipment hygiene and sterilization risks) • Provide microbiological input into operational decisions affecting product safety 8. Documentation & Reporting • Maintain complete and audit-ready laboratory records • Generate: o daily lab logs o weekly microbiological reports o deviation and risk reports Experience and Qualification Requirements ▪BSc in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field • 2–4 years hands-on experience in food manufacturing lab OR FMCG quality control lab • Strong knowledge of: o microbial culturing techniques o aseptic lab practices o pathogen detection methods Compliance Knowledge (MUST HAVE) • HACCP implementation experience • ISO 22000 food safety systems exposure • Familiarity with NAFDAC and SON requirements • Understanding of food borne pathogens and contamination pathways Technical Competence Candidate must demonstrate ability to: • Independently run microbial tests (not just assist) • Prepare culture media and interpret results • Document results in a traceable and audit-compliant format

Responsibilities

The Microbiologist Quality Control is responsible for conducting comprehensive microbiological analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, finished plantain flour, and the production environment to ensure food safety compliance. This role actively enforces food safety standards, monitors contamination trends, and investigates deviations to recommend corrective and preventive actions.