MICROBIOLOGIST

General Purpose

Our client, a leading food manufacturing company with well-established brands in ice cream, chocolate, and related products, is seeking to recruit a Microbiologist to support food safety, quality assurance, and laboratory compliance in line with FSQMS and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. The Microbiologist will be responsible for performing and supporting microbiological testing and environmental monitoring programs, ensuring accurate, reliable, and timely results that support food safety verification, hygiene control, and regulatory compliance.

Location: Tilisi Logistics Park, Limuru | Gross Salary: Ksh. 45,000

Duties & Responsibilities

Microbiological Testing & Execution

• Perform microbiological analysis on raw materials, in-process and finished products
• Test for pathogens (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria where applicable) and indicator organisms (TPC, coliforms, yeast & moulds)

• Conduct environmental monitoring (swabs, air quality, personnel hygiene)
• Ensure adherence to SOPs and turnaround times

Compliance & Quality Systems

• Adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 and laboratory quality systems
• Support method verification, QC checks, internal audits and proficiency testing

• Maintain audit-ready laboratory environment

Sample Management

• Ensure proper sample collection, labeling, storage, and traceability
• Maintain chain of custody and sample database (frozen, chilled, ambient products)

Equipment Handling

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
• Perform routine checks, calibration tracking, and fault reporting

Data & Reporting

• Record and report results accurately (ALCOA+ compliance)
• Submit timely reports to Senior Laboratory Officer

Non-Conformance & Continuous Improvement

• Identify deviations and initiate root cause analysis
• Support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives

Health & Safety

• Ensure safe handling of microbiological cultures and hazardous materials
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in the laboratory

Requirements & Qualifications

• BSc in Microbiology, Food Science & Technology, Analytical Chemistry, or related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a food laboratory environment with at least 2 years in a supervisory lab role.

• Experience in ISO/IEC 17025 implementation, audits, and documentation systems
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing methods

• Laboratory equipment handling skills
• Strong analytical and reporting ability

• High attention to detail and integrity
• Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 systems

• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills