Microbiologist

The purpose is to undertake microbiological analyses using appropriate procedures, which are critical to confirm product safety for the compliance to regulatory, customer and system standards.

**Job Purpose**:
The role is required to prepare a documented schedule for microbiological testing based on risk assessments. Conduct routine microbiological analysis food samples, water/ice samples, swabs and other samples. Prepare analysis report on time and hold or release ready to heat components and finished products in internal ERP system based on the test results and immediately escalate deviations to the management, if any.

**Key Result Areas**:
1.Perform microbiological analysis of finished food, potable water, swabs of food contact surfaces, hands and raw materials as per the schedule to ensure Food Point is a safe environment to produce high quality safe food for customers.

2.Support the Food Safety Manager to develop and implement microbiological verification programs to ensure process integrity in accordance with BRCGS ((Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards), YUM, Dubai Municipality and other applicable food safety standards.

3.Prepare microbiological testing and Safety SOPs for the Laboratory to maintain the required ISO standards.

4.Develop appropriate policies, work instructions and procedures within the Food Microbiology Laboratory to comply and meet the Food Safety management system standards.

5.Maintain and update required standardized microbiological analysis/procedures to comply with internationally recognized procedures.

6.Provide recommendation to the Food Safety Manager when deviation from agreed standards are identified and dealt with in a timely and effective manner to ensure compliance with Food Safety standards.

7.Support in maintaining the inventory of laboratory consumables and sufficient stock to avoid interruptions in laboratory testing and ensure business continuity.

8.Support in day-to-day routine quality checks and calibration of all laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with EKFC Quality Management System, industry best practice and legislative requirements.

9.Perform internal audits to verify GMP (Goods Manufacturing Practice) and BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards) procedures as per the schedule to comply with the Food Safety Management system.

10.Conduct third party testing laboratory evaluation, Food Point retention sampling program, shelf life analysis and safe disposal of microbiological wastes to ensure compliance with Food Safety Management standards.

Prepare daily and monthly reports including numbers and type of tests performed, findings, limited data review and trend analysis to ensure timely information and up-to-date test results, to improve food safety and control, ensure regulatory compliance and business continuity.

Coach, direct and review the performance of the team to obtain maximum efficiency, productivity and accuracy in product testing.

**Job Context**:
The role of a Microbiologist is an integral part of Food Safety Division. The main purpose of this role is to undertake microbiological analysis on relevant food samples and positively release all the batches of finished goods produced at Food Point. Ensure EKFC/Food Point is a safe environment to produce high quality safe food by conducting analysis of potable water, ice, equipment swabs, environmental swabs, hand swabs, air samples etc.

The laboratory has the capacity of analysing an average of 80-100 samples per day and, The Microbiologist works closely with the Food Safety Manager and takes accountability for safe and timely release of finished goods based on the microbiological evaluation of all the finished products at Food Point.

Food Point has a Positive Release process, wherein finished products are tested in the laboratory after completion of every batch of food product. Products are dispatched after the satisfactory test result from laboratory. Microbiologists handles the ERP system at product release stage at laboratory prior to dispatch by fulfilment team. So the availability of microbiologists in every day is indispensable for the smooth functioning of the established operational process.

**Knowledge, Skills & Minimum Experience**:
**Education Qualification**:
Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or Related Science or equivalent.(must have)

ISO 17025 system /HACCP/BRCGS credentials( preferred)

**Work Experience**:
Minimum 5 years of analytical experience in microbiology testing laboratory.

Experience in operating within a Food Catering environment, GMP processes and documentation.

Experience in operating within a laboratory with basic Microbiology laboratory equipment and with GLP processes and documentation.

Experience with Cleaning validations, method validations, sterility and aseptic processes

**Skills**:
Ability to communicate effectively with all organisational levels.

Self-motivated with the initiative and ability to achieve