Senior Specialist, Microbiology

Job Title:  Senior Specialist, Microbiology
Location:  Vadodara
Job Model: Office Role

Purpose of the position:

• Purpose of this position to maintain and continually improve the quality of products, processes & quality systems to provide right quality and services to the customers.
• Supports the implementation and execution of the quality, food safety, cleaning, and sanitation management systems within DSM-F HNC Premix
• Ensure the smooth operation of the Microbiology instruments for daily sample analysis  
• Responsible for the calibration and preventive maintenance of the microbiology instrument and equipment as well as coordinating with the supplier/vendor of the equipment in case of breakdown and Preventive maintenance. 
• Maintains the master equipment list and ensures that the performance verification methodologies conform to some recognized standards and the equipment is operating under validated specifications. 
• Ensure that the units are operating according to specifications,
• Ensure that appropriate inventory of consumables are maintained for lab operations. 
• Responsible for test method development and transfer, qualification of test methods and new laboratory instruments according to Pharmacopeia/In house/ ISO methods and Customer requirement any failure investigation of test method/procedure of Instrument.
• Assists the QA/QC Manager in maintaining the QMS microbiology and FSSC 22000 system implemented in the plant. This includes reviewing and improving on the existing process, procedures and instructions. 
• Ensure that lab operations are carried out as per good laboratory practice (GLP).

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure the smooth running of the Microbiology laboratory
• RM, PM and FG analysis are done as per their specification.
• Culture Maintenance. 
• Environmental Monitoring.
• In-charge of the calibration and Preventive Maintenance of instruments and equipment to ensure good quality of Microbiology results.
• Preparation and updating SOP regarding microbiology standard methods.
• Source and recommend new test instrument when required and carry out qualification (IQ, OQ & PQ) of the instrument with the vendor so as to put it to use for routine testing in shortest time possible.
• Maintain technical data, generate reports and findings. Write relevant instrumental or procedural SOPs for the work operations.
• Assist the QA Manager to review and improve Microbiology procedures and instructions related to the ISO QMS and FSSC 22000 standards/LOP/SOP. 
• Calibration and validation of Microbiology equipment.
• Risk assessment Microbiology
• Ensure that plant EMP programme is thoroughly implemented.

• Ensure Plant Environmental contamination incidents are investigated thoroughly and support to improve overall hygiene standards.
• Ensure that DSM cleaning and sanitation standards are adhered across the site.
• Support region for Hygiene related investigations and serve as a key resource.
• Conduct shop floor Gemba walks and suggest areas for improvement for hygiene/ sanitation.
• Actively involve in cleaning validations and verifications.
• Look for opportunities of cost savings in sanitation practices.
• Responsible for actively participating in Change management (MOC) risk assessment related to Hygiene/ sanitation.
• Conduct regular trainings to shop floor team on cleaning and sanitation standards.
• Escalate Food safety risk indicators if any from time to time to the senior management and prevent food safety risks.
• Keep himself/herself abreast of latest hygiene/sanitation standards and implement best in class standards.
• Conducts staff training of site cleaning and sanitization procedures.
• Oversees & monitors housekeeping and cleaning programs.
• Performs daily audits of manufacturing and production to identify micro risk areas, clean design defects, and proper adherence and execution of C&S procedures.
• Oversees teardown and re-assembly process from a hygienic perspective.
• Participates in company continuous improvement initiatives by seeking out improved ways to clean and sanitize more efficiently & effectively.
• Coordinates with other operational units to maintain compliance and perform.
• Communicates with all sites in the region and globally to ensure consistency and sharing of best practices.