Microbiologist - Irvine, CA - Tentamus North America
Irvine, CA
About the Job
TENTAMUS LABS OF AMERICA IS ON THE HUNT FOR A MICROBIOLOGIST TO JOIN OUR IRVINE, CALIFORNIA TEAM!
Join our dynamic team as a Microbiologist, where you will play a key role in the daily operation and maintenance of our Microbiology Laboratory. You will be responsible for preparing client samples, enriching them for testing, creating serial dilutions, and managing incubation and media preparation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Microbiology Lab Supervisor, you will:
Collaborate and Perform Analysis:Work closely with the microbiology team to prioritize and conduct sample analysis, including isolating and maintaining bacterial cultures and conducting microbiological suitability studies.
Media Preparation and Management: Prepare, label, store, and perform growth promotion tests on microbiological culture media, ensuring expiration dates and storage conditions are met.
Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Maintain and calibrate lab equipment (e.g., balances, refrigerators, incubators), perform routine checks, and troubleshoot as needed.
Laboratory Operations and Compliance: Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by maintaining logbooks, documenting quality control samples, and following sanitation protocols.
Inventory and Hazard Management: Manage inventory, restock lab supplies, log reagents and certificates, and handle hazardous waste according to safety protocols.
Testing and Reporting: Perform daily verifications, Preservative Effectiveness Testing (PET), air quality tests, and swab tests; count and release microbiological test results; and prepare reports using Word, Excel, and LIMS.
Deviations and Investigations: Investigate and resolve microbiological deviations, notify the Lab Manager of potential issues, and prepare out-of-specification (OOS) reports as needed.
Documentation and Training: Prepare technical documents (e.g., SOPs, validation protocols), maintainaccurate records, train laboratory technicians, and assist with research and development activities.
Quality and Research Activities: Conduct PCR to identify pathogens, perform quality checks on culture media, and assist with generating monthly positive culture studies and suitability tests.
Administrative and Miscellaneous Duties:Prepare and present data using software tools, maintain lab organization, and perform other duties as assigned.
SCHEDULE AND POSITION TYPE
This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position based onsite at Tentamus Labs of America in Irvine, California. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a lunch break included. Weekend and holiday availability may be required as needed.
The training schedule will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at Adamson Analytical Laboratories in Corona, CA and may last up to 120 days.
QUALIFICATIONS
Our ideal candidate will be authorized to work in the United States without restriction or sponsorship, hold a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science or a related science field preferred; Possess experience with microbiological testing methods, laboratory equipment, and strong understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Other qualifications include:
- 3 - 4 years of experience working in a commercial lab setting.
- Possess strong attention to detail
- Ability to memorize different testing types, Media, Dilutions, SOPs, etc.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stand for long periods; to work independently and within a team.
WHAT'S WAITING FOR YOU?
$22 - $29 per hour, comprehensive and low-cost benefit plans (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance) Employee Assistance Program, PTO, a matching 401k, and 40hrs of sick time per the California Law.
ABOUT TENTAMUS
Labs for Life®. We are a global network of full-service accredited analytical laboratories providing crucial quality and safety analysis for clients locally, nationally, and beyond using proven methods of chemistry and microbiology. Many of the products you use and consume daily rely on Tentamus labs. With 20 labs in the Americas and growing (100 globally), we celebrate having talented diverse scientific and service-oriented professionals.