Associate Scientist, Microbiology Laboratory Lead is responsible for ensuring microbiology laboratory's compliance to MARS standards to verify the effectiveness of the site/s quality and food safety programs.The role is the main point of contact for microbiology laboratory stakeholders and manages day to day operations of the laboratory, train new associates/contractors, drive continues improvement to develops best practices that impact how technologies & processes in microbiological analysis are implemented, contributes to the growth of microbiology laboratory capabilities, support project and initiatives within R&D strategy.This role that is expected to provide technical guidance in food safety and cross contamination risk assessments, guidance in trouble shooting - root cause analysis and recommendations to the business on matters regarding microbiology to achieve and ensure the requirements of the Mars Quality Principle)This role will work closely with site's production, supply chain, Q&FS teams, commercial, UPC, regional MGS Lab and external lab services. The associate will be personally involved in microbiological testing of raw material, environmental, finished products, product disposition and the quality management systems of the laboratory. The associate will pursue continuous improvement and value leadership opportunities through cross functional collaboration.**What are we looking for?**:- Minimum qualifications: Must have a tertiary qualification in Microbiology science (at least degree in Microbiology Science) or in one of the following related discipline areas: Food science, Food Technology, biological science.- Preferred qualifications: Experience in Micro-verification standards (e.g., ISO 6579-1:2017, BAM, etc.), Working knowledge of ISO 17025 standard, Advanced English Skills.- >3 years' experience within a commercial/ FMCG (Cocoa/Chocolate, Dairy, or Pharmaceutical) lab and mainly in quality management.- Masters the key scientific principles associated with microbiological analysis, technical knowledge in Product and Process technology. Experience in developing, deploying or implementing chemistry testing methods, ideally in food testing lab.- Understand GMP, Safety, Food safety and quality standards and procedure, Have knowledge in QM tools (ISO 9001, HACCP, FSSC 22000) and Internal auditing.- Excellent practical laboratory skill. Ability to troubleshoot and root cause analysis.- Basic knowledge of validation, calibration, and statistical methods including sampling plans, statistics and data interpretation.- Knowledge and skills in running and maintaining necessary microbiological instrumentation (e.g., VIDAS and/or Gene Up) is required.- Experience and skill in use of following: Microsoft office and Knowledge of LIMS.- Excellent organizational skills to adjust to fluctuating workloads, urgent stakeholders' requests while maintaining attention to detail. Strong communication/report writing skill.**What will be your key responsibilities?**:- Manages quality Day to Day operations and Laboratory analysis;- Manage and supervise day to day activities and workload in the laboratory.- Ensure micro lab documentation and standards (e.g., research methods, cleaning/sanitation, maintenance, calibration, etc.). Maintain quality procedures including LQS and Prevention of cross contamination.- The role is the main point of contact for laboratory stakeholders and Manage sub-contracting of tests.- Manage and monitor procurement of consumables and services for the laboratory (manage required stock of supplementary materials e.g., tools, glassware, materials). Ensure the microbiological lab consumables available, stock-take by monthly, coordination with Commercial to purchase new equipment or materials. Support adherence to the budget input.- Organization of escalated testing i.e., mapping out a plan of escalated testing and tracking all data to be sent to stakeholders. Communicate result of analysis with acknowledged by Lab R&D Manager. Track and trace testing results as required. Participate at meetings effectively, liaise with stakeholders and communicate and interact actively with all functions.- Manage capability and utilization to ensure that the laboratory has adequate coverage to support the stakeholders.- Ensure laboratory's representation at all technical risk assessments. Provides knowledge and exposure to fundamental theories, principles and concepts for microbiology science and laboratories. Being a part of HACCP team member.- The role is responsible to ensure all analyses product dispositions are completed in full and on time as per service level agreements.- Lead training of new staff and ensure all staff have up to date training records. Manage contract workers in the lab, including being responsible for their induction to Mars principles, approaches, and the standards (GLP, QMP, SOPs, etc.), as well as adherence to the ones. Manage contract workers
