Plant Microbiologist
On-siteSolon, Ohio, United States
Job Summary
The Plant Microbiologist(Lead) is the technical leader for microbiology and fermentation processes within the production environment. This role is responsible for ensuring consistent product quality, optimizing fermentation performance, and maintaining robust microbiological and documentation standards. This position combines hands-on technical expertise with process ownership, including auditing operations, improving SOPs, and ensuring adherence to aseptic and quality standards. The Plant Microbiologist partners cross-functionally with Quality Control, R&D, and Operations to troubleshoot issues, drive continuous improvement, and scale production processes. This role also plays a key part in developing team capability through training and mentorship.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related scientific field
- 5-8+ years of progressive experience in Microbiology, Fermentation, or biomanufacturing environments
- Deep technical expertise in fermentation processes and scale-up, aseptic technique and contamination prevention, microbial testing methods (CFU quantification, organism identification)
- Demonstrated experience leading complex troubleshooting efforts and implementing permanent process or equipment solutions
- Proven ability to design, validate, and improve microbiological testing protocols and production processes
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret trends and drive data-based decisions
- Advanced experience with SOP and batch record development, revision, and compliance oversight
- Experience leading or supporting audits, ensuring documentation accuracy, and maintaining regulatory readiness
- Strong cross-functional collaboration experience with R&D, Quality, and Operations teams
- Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training programs and mentor technical staff
- Advanced ERP(Netsuite or similar) experience, including BOM review, inventory management, and production planning support
- Experience in a pilot-scale or commercial biomanufacturing environment preferred
- Prior informal or formal leadership responsibility such a project leadership, team mentorship, or process ownership a plus
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