Analyst II (Microbiology) - Eurofins Experchem Laboratories, Inc.
Job Description
Reporting directly to the Laboratory Manager the Analyst II will be responsible for providing basic technical support and analysis within the Cannabis \& NHP microbiology testing laboratory as well as the food testing microbiology laboratory, where applicable. This is a deadline-based, high-pressure work environment with ongoing projects for a variety of clients.
The Analyst II will have some experience in handling instrumentation analyses and will be able to work independently with minimal supervision. The incumbent must be energetic, exceedingly well-organized, flexible, and must have the ability to interact with customers and staff in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, while remaining proactive, resourceful, and efficient. A high level of professionalism and confidentiality is crucial to this role.
Analyst II must:
- Capable of operating microbiology-specific instruments such as autoclaves, incubators, spectrophotometers, PCR machines, and other laboratory equipment common in the food testing micro lab.
- Experienced in a wide range of microbiological testing methods, including culture-based techniques, microbial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, endotoxin testing, sterility testing, and foodborne pathogen testing when applicable.
- Proficient in interpreting microbiological test results, including colony counts, growth characteristics, biochemical reactions, and PCR data, both in medical cannabis and food testing contexts.
- Skilled in troubleshooting microbiological test methods and equipment issues to ensure accurate results.
- Able to write comprehensive lab reports following SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
- Familiar with and capable of executing general laboratory duties in microbiology according to SOPs.
- Knowledgeable in working under GMP and GLP guidelines, and familiar with USP standards for pharmaceutical microbiology testing as well as food safety regulations, including FDA, CFIA, and HACCP standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review technical data, documents, and proposals related to microbiological testing procedures and research projects for both medical cannabis, NHP, and food testing.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and difficulties with microbiological testing methods, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results in both domains.
- Provide technical support to the R\&D team, assisting in writing reports and executing method transfer, verifications, and validations specific to microbiology, for both cannabis and food testing.
- Assist in revising SOPs, forms, and laboratory documentation tailored for microbiological testing procedures in both the medical cannabis and food testing labs.
- Conduct ongoing SOP and technical training for laboratory staff to enhance their proficiency in microbiological testing techniques in both sectors.
- Support the customer service team by providing technical expertise and resolving microbiology-related inquiries from clients in the cannabis and food industries.
- Perform a variety of microbiological tests, including sample preparation, media preparation, and operation of microbiology-specific instrumentation for both cannabis and food testing.
- Interact with clients in both sectors to maintain positive relationships and ensure their microbiological testing needs are met.
- Assist in administrative tasks assigned by the manager, focusing on microbiology laboratory operations in both fields.
- Perform system qualification and calibration for microbiological testing equipment to maintain accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards across both industries.
Qualifications
Education:
- A B.Sc. degree preferably in Microbiology, or a diploma in a related field;
- A solid background and understanding of Microbiology is mandatory;
- Computer proficiency - Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in microbiology testing with Food, Pharma, NHP, and Cannabis;
- Experience working in a contract laboratory is considered an asset.
Other Required Skills:
- Excellent organizational skills;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- A good command of English is necessary;
- High level of accuracy and strong attention to detail;
- Ability to work independently, while supporting a collaborative, team-based department;
- Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure;
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines;
- Must be proactive, self-disciplined, and able to demonstrate a high level of productivity;
- Demonstrate satisfactory work performance and attendance record;
- Demonstrate leadership by guiding and coordinating technical teams in microbiological testing, promoting collaboration and productivity, while maintaining a high level of professionalism;
- Display a high level of professionalism;
- Willingness to learn with the ability to retain information quickly and apply knowledge to various scenarios.
WORKING CONDITIONS: This position is working in a laboratory environment where standing is required for greater than 50% of the time to work at the bench for analyses. Light lifting requirements of no more than 20 lbs. Hazardous materials are handled using established safety procedures and appropriate PPE. Some lifting and carrying (up to 10 kg).
Additional Information
At Eurofins we offer excellent full-time benefits including health \& dental coverage, life and disability insurance, RRSP with 3% company match, paid holidays, paid time off.
Accommodation: Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request via the website at www.eurofins.ca.
As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received international recognition as a great place to work. To learn more about Eurofins, please explore our website at www.eurofins.ca
We thank all applicants within commuting distance of GTA, Ontario for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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