JOB SUMMARY

The Microbiology Specialist assists the Microbiology Department with the design, development, and execution of foundational research projects to support commercialization of Farther Farms’ novel shelf-stable food products and food processing technology. The role assists with set-up, operation, and data analysis for projects along with the maintenance, organization, and daily operations of the company’s microbiology labs. The position requires a learner’s mindset with intellectual rigor and thoroughness. The Microbiology Specialist may also collaborate with the Product Development and Regulatory teams to support related work key to ongoing commercialization and implementation efforts.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Farther Farms performs microbiology research that is adequately designed and successfully executed in a timely manner;
• The microbiology laboratory is organized, safe, and runs efficiently;
• All databases and logs, including laboratory notebooks, are up-to-date, accurate, and organized;
• You demonstrate an ownership mentality towards your work projects, learn from failures, and communicate clear recommendations, learnings, and next steps;
• You bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to execute projects of granular detail while developing a strategic approach;
• You exercise good judgement and know what resources to use and when to use them to optimize value creation;
• Farther Farms timely meets important milestones towards the development of shelf stable French fries processed with supercritical carbon dioxide.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• A BS in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related discipline is required; a MS in Microbiology is preferred;
• Experience working in microbiology laboratories is required;
• Demonstrated project management, communication, and planning skills;
• A demonstrated technical, scientific, and mathematical background and hands-on experience with inactivation studies is preferred;
• An ability to think creatively and from a first principles approach;
• Knowledge of HACCP and current-GMPs in food production preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with microbial challenge studies for spoilage microorganisms, foodborne pathogens, and/or surrogates;
• Execute research work and experimental trials including monitoring processes, performing microbial inoculations and serial dilutions, collecting and analyzing data, and operating processing systems and equipment;
• Participate in experimental design and strategy discussions to develop and identify workplans, thought processes, and approaches to support company objectives, timelines, and budgets;
• Prepare and maintain detailed experimental notes, ensure laboratory notebooks are up to date, and author reports, research plans, and SOPs;
• Work with a biosafety mindset and follow best laboratory practices at all times;
• Troubleshoot daily equipment, process, and methodology issues; utilize risk assessment practices, good judgement, and a first principles mindset to allocate resources as necessary to solve problems;
• Maintain laboratory appliances, equipment, glassware, and other utensils clean and organized;
• Prepare reagents, growth media, agar plates, and frozen microbial strains;
• Support the microbiology laboratory operations by reviewing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), compiling Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and keeping track of inventory;
• Work alongside other departments (Product Development, Regulatory and Food Safety) as needed.

Pilot Plant Research and Development

• Support the Product Development and Food Safety teams with pilot facility projects, analysis, production, and investigation as needed.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to wear all PPE as required by Farther Farms;
• Ability to stand, walk, squat, and sit for long periods of time;
• Ability to push and lift items up to 25 pounds;
• Ability to perform repetitive motions movements with upper extremities.

COMPENSATION AND POSITION DETAILS

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Compensation commensurate with experience. Farther Farms is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.