JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Microbiologist is an agile and flexible technical contributor supporting the discovery, development, and commercialization of Farther Farms’ novel shelf-stable food products and food processing technology. The position is deeply involved with driving microbiology department strategy, balancing company priorities, executing core research, and engaging with external regulatory agencies and research partners. The role requires focus on experimental design, collaboration with team members for cross-departmental projects, an inquisitive and first principles approach, and a focus on timely results. The Senior Microbiologist works closely with the food safety, regulatory, and product development teams in the commercialization and implementation of technologies and products with global applications.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• You effectively contribute to microbiology research strategy, plans, and projects to deliver results;
• You demonstrate an ownership mentality towards your work projects, learn from failures, and communicate clear recommendations, learnings, and next steps with a deep understanding of the ‘why’;
• You efficiently develop and effectively execute research experiments incorporating data analysis, timelines, and the commercial priorities of the organization;
• You demonstrate the ability to take a proactive approach towards problem solving;
• You effectively collaborate with the Safety, Product Development, and Engineering teams to enable Farther Farms to bring concepts to full-scale implementation;
• You demonstrate creativity towards developing processes to enhance in-house technical capabilities;
• Through your leadership and communication skills you develop, maintain and effectively leverage external relationships to deliver results and create value;
• Through your leadership and expertise, you create a safe work environment, prioritizing a culture of growth opportunities, training, and development.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• A Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or Food Science, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required; PhD is preferred; 
• 5+ years of relevant research and development experience including microbiological and analytical testing methods to access product safety and stability;
• Knowledge of and experience with FDA guidelines, regulatory submissions, and challenge studies for food products; 
• Previous experience with BSL-2 level pathogenic micro-organisms preferred;
• Proven track record of innovative research and development projects;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; supervisory experience a plus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Microbiology Research and Development

• Develop precise experimental plans, timelines, and budgets for the execution of microbiology research needed to meet the goals, objectives, and vision of Farther Farms; 
• Develop and implement methodologies to expand in-house analytical capabilities as needed;
• Define, design, and coordinate challenge studies to characterize the behavior of various processing parameters in relation to microorganisms of concern;
• Interpret and clearly communicate research results and conclusions to internal and external parties;
• Oversee and perform routine microbiology equipment checks, conduct growth media promotion, and maintain laboratory culture collection as needed;
• Identify relevant external partners to conduct validation studies for processes for various food products, and provide oversight of external labs;
• Draft submission reports to be shared with Federal agencies for new processing methodologies;
• Lead communication with relevant external parties including regulatory bodies and customers as needed;
• Commit to continual improvement by reading and applying the latest scientific literature and methodologies to better the outcomes of the foundational research.

Pilot Plant Scale-Up         

• Assist the engineering team with ideation and design building of machinery for the scale-up production by highlighting the needs of new and novel food processes and derivative food products;
• Collaborate on product and process development to refine and inform the direction of the benchtop product development work by highlighting the process needs to achieve food safety standards;
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all manufacturing operations, end-products, raw materials, packaging materials, and quality specifications and standards. 

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.