Microbiologist Quality Control – Food Processing

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