Microbiologist II

Overview:
Business Title: Microbiologist II
Position Title: Microbiologist II
Division: Consumer Products Services 
Entity: ATL
Reports to: Laboratory Manager
FLSA: Non-exempt
 

Hours Worked: Typically, Monday through Friday, forty-hours per week. A weekend rotation is required, with time-off during the week of that rotation.
However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the department and complete other projects as assigned.

Position Summary:

The Microbiologist II is responsible for performing routine testing within the laboratory; ensuring compliance with cGMP systems including SOPs, test methods, and protocols; reviewing multiple sources and types of data; and assisting in investigations.  The Microbiologist will interact with other departments such as Quality Assurance, Client Services, and Sample Administration, as well as auditors and inspectors.  In addition, the Microbiologist must promote a culture aligned with ATL’s values, drive the completion of the tasks and assignments on time, and be able to positively react to change and lead change as necessary.
The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to work independently, have excellent scheduling abilities, and be able to rapidly accept and apply process changes. 

Duties and Responsibilities:
It is everyone’s responsibility to live out our Values and Absolutes by Shaping a World of Trust while ensuring responsible progress.
•    Utilize fundamentals of microbial testing, including good aseptic technique, sanitizing surfaces and equipment, precisely weighing products to create sample dilutions, etc.
•    Operate balances, pipettes, stomacher, water baths, etc as well as more advanced analytical equipment.
•    Prepares a variety of samples for testing using prescribed testing methods, following testing standards / specifications, in a limited scope.
•    Conducts testing or analyzes a variety of consumer products for basic bench analysis and analytical instrumentation using prescribed testing methods, following testing standards / specifications appropriate to the sample, in a limited scope.
•    Evaluate test results data, with direction.
•    Participate with senior staff in client meetings / visits, when appropriate.
•    Identify and troubleshoot technical issues in a limited scope.
•    Interpret and apply industry standards within a limited scope and with direction.
•    Offer problem resolution, as applicable, for any client issues/questions identified, while aiming to enhance client satisfaction and improving client relations.
•    Interface with senior staff for direction on interpretations pertaining to compliance and standards.
•    Provide feedback to department manager regarding departmental systems, processes and recommendations for improvements and meeting department / quality objectives.  
•    Maintain test equipment, supplies, lab cleanliness and analytical instrumentation, in a limited scope.
•    Assist with department testing in other areas, with direction, as required.
•    Perform routine lab maintenance as necessary, including stocking of consumable materials, placing order for materials, storing samples properly, and maintaining and organized lab space.
•    Perform daily calibrations of instrumentation as needed.
•    Complete necessary documentation in associated logbooks and data collection sheets following GDP/ALCOA guidelines.
•    Work with colleagues in the lab to balance the many duties across multiple laboratory spaces.
•    Utilize safe biowaste disposal practices in accordance with site regulations.
•    Handle other essential tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills & Proficiencies:
•    Comfortable using equipment such as balances, incubators, and pipettors
•    Strong basic math skills to perform routine calculations
•    Good attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping
•    Prefer experience with basic MS Office programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
•    Problem solving and process improvement ability 
•    Possess and demonstrate written and verbal communication skills
•    Organization and time management skills
•    Ability to perform multiple tasks
•    Ability to prioritize individual workload to meet or exceed deadlines
•    Individual and team work ethic
•    Attention to detail
•    Technical aptitude

Education and Experience:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or other life science 
•    Prefer 1+ year of laboratory experience 

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of above.

Compensation Range: $22 an hour (e.g., the job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, and actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as locations, education, experience, and skillset).