Associate Quality Scientist - Microbiology

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Date:Jul 10, 2024

Location: Rochester, NY, US, 14623

Company: IFF Family of Companies

Job Description

Associate Quality Scientist – Microbiology - Rochester, NY

INTRODUCTION:

IFF supplies the food and beverage, fragrance, home and personal care, and health and wellness end markets with innovative solutions that allow them to create the products consumers know and love. IFF is a market-leading global business with innovative, healthy and sustainable solutions, spanning a broader portfolio than any of its peers.

THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Health & Biosciences team in Rochester, NY is looking for a self-motivated, versatile individual with experience in microbial culturing techniques to support the global culture collection quality practices and systems. The ideal candidate balances laboratory work with technical reporting and quality system responsibilities. If you are a self-directed and adaptable team player who thrives in a dynamic work environment, we’d love to meet with you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Propagation and maintenance of microbiological cultures (bacteria, yeast, and fungi) for global production and control organisms.

• Conducts quality testing of culture vials to ensure purity and viability targets are achieved.

• Troubleshoots unexpected results or performance issues of strains, techniques, and procedures.

• Supports assignments related to the areas of microbiological techniques, contamination identification and mitigation, equipment and methodologies, and other scientific disciplines as appropriate with guidance to improve and optimize critical culture collection processes.

• Operation, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

• Inventory management of lab chemicals and supplies, including ordering, stock room organization, and ensuring lab remains stocked with essential inventory.

• General laboratory upkeep, including glassware washing, laboratory waste disposal, preparation of supplies and glassware, and delivery of received packages to the correct recipient and destination.

• Media preparation and sterilization of reagents, agars, and broths.

• Inventory management of preserved cultures, including maintenance and organization of liquid nitrogen storage and databases. Collection, distribution, and shipment of cultures to domestic and international recipients using liquid nitrogen vapor shippers and dry ice.

• Active participant of the lab who consistently contributes to the continuous improvement of lab operations.

• Supports lab operation initiatives, compliance with internal quality standards, and leads efforts to maintain established programs.

• Exercises technical discretion in design, execution and interpretation of data making detailed observations and extrapolating logical scientific conclusions with minimal supervision and direction.

• Able to identify, prioritize, coordinate, and accomplish tasks and objectives with minimal supervision and direction.

• Demonstrates logic and tactical problem-solving skills.

• Effectively communicates technical information both written and verbal with internal and external stakeholders.

• Supports internal and external training and assessments.

• Works within a team environment and can successfully train others.

• Prepares and/or contributes to technical reports, summaries, protocols, presentations, and quantitative analyses.

• Able to work on site every day for the full day. This is not a remote or hybrid position.

Job Requirements

PREFERRED SKILL SETS:

• Cell culture propagation and preservation techniques.

• Culture-based QC test methods and Rapid Micro Methods.

• Aseptic technique, media preparation, and Good Laboratory Practices.

• Pipetting techniques, microscopy, and spectroscopy.

• Capability to define, write, and follow procedures correctly.

• Highly detailed and quality oriented.

• Experience with laboratory equipment, maintenance, and operation.

• Knowledge of quality systems and standards (ISO 17025, ISO 9001), including corrective and preventative action, document control processes, record management, and good documentation practices.

• Effective computer and database management skills (LIMS, SAP, SharePoint, Office 365 (Excel expertise a plus), Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Access).

• Strong organization, planning, and project management skills.

• Proficient data analysis and technical writing skills.Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Self-initiator with a high standard of work quality.

• Able to effectively communicate with leadership, peers, and across functional teams through various communication channels (in-person, instant messaging, phone, email, shared computer platforms, etc.).

Your qualification profile:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology) and/or minimum of 5 years experience in an industrial lab setting. Applicants with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• At least 2 of the 5 years required experience must be related to the above responsibilities.

At IFF, our leadership believes passionately in the importance and benefits of being a purpose-driven enterprise. We will lead not simply by relying on an unmatched portfolio and flawless execution, but by quickly unlocking new innovations as we tap into our shared passion for pairing science and creativity to deliver for our customers. We are creating an agile, empowered and innovative business that provides exceptional service and delivers on our commitment to be an essential partner for our customers.

Coupled with core values and excellent compensation & benefits… Together, we’re turning possibilities into real world answers that help humanity prosper!

Come realize how you can make an impact, act like an owner and partner with customers in our journey.