3rd shift Lab Microbiologist

Microbiologist

Alamance Foods, Inc. (AFI)
Location: Burlington, North Carolina (Multi-Site)
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt (On-Site)

Why Join Alamance Foods?

At Alamance Foods, we believe in investing in our people. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive culture designed to help you grow, thrive, and build a long-term career.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment)
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Dependent Care Spending Accounts (DCSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 12 days annually
• Paid Holidays
• Advancement opportunities and career growth
• Mentorship and professional development
• Supportive leadership and collaborative environment
• Employee-focused culture with long-term stability

Company Background

Alamance Foods, Inc. (AFI) is a leading supplier of whipped dairy products in the United States. We produce, package, and ship private-label products customized to meet our customers’ specific needs.

AFI is an innovative organization with proven experience in developing products across aerosol whipped cream, flavored beverages, freeze pops, and bottled water.

Position Overview

The Microbiologist is responsible for overseeing laboratory operations and leading a team of quality lab technicians to ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems.

This role drives continuous improvement in laboratory processes, ensures accurate testing and documentation, and supports cross-functional teams to maintain product integrity and operational excellence. The position will lead a team of approximately 15–50 lab technicians and play a critical role in food safety, quality assurance, and performance optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform product/item releases and review Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for raw materials to ensure compliance with specifications
• Supervise daily laboratory operations, ensuring adherence to protocols, procedures, and safety standards
• Support and drive SQF program compliance and continuous improvement initiatives within the lab environment
• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory team members to meet performance and quality targets
• Maintain calibration of laboratory equipment and ensure accuracy of testing methods
• Monitor laboratory inventory and coordinate procurement of supplies and equipment
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection, reporting, and documentation
• Troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate equipment repairs and maintenance
• Conduct internal audits, inspections, and compliance checks
• Generate and present weekly quality KPI reports to site leadership
• Partner cross-functionally (including Sales and Operations) to assess quality risks, customer impact, and improvement opportunities
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies (including 80/20 principles) to optimize lab efficiency
• Stay current with regulatory requirements, laboratory technologies, and industry best practices
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-focused team environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality, or related field required
• HACCP, PCQI, SQF, or other food safety certifications preferred

Experience & Skills

• Experience in laboratory supervision or management within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Strong knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and food safety standards
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and data analysis tools
• Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and structured problem-solving
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, customers, and suppliers
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize under pressure
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and laboratory quality standards

Travel Requirements

• Travel between multiple AFI production facilities is required
• Must have reliable transportation

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods
• Use of hands, fingers, and arms for handling equipment
• Ability to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Ability to communicate effectively (talk and hear)
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.