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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: daily lab logs o weekly microbiological reports 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
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