Job Title:  Plant Microbiologist

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #164163 - Sanford, Maine, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
 

Plant Microbiologist

Scope of Responsibility:

The Tom's of Maine Plant Microbiologist is responsible for implementing, and monitoring the Micro Control programs that ensure all production meets the requirements of QS 023 - Microbiological Control. The Microbiologist is responsible for building and supporting strategic relationships with local, divisional and global teams in support of the micro control programs.

Core responsibilities:

• Perform microbiological testing of water and environmental monitoring samples 

• Manage samples, chain of custody, test request, data review and release for microbiological samples sent for testing.

• Support, maintain and apply SPC systems to drive continuous improvement, identify trends and draw conclusions.

• Assist with product, equipment, and C&S validations.

• Maintain lab equipment and calibrations.

• Complete Failure Investigations and accurately detail Out of Specification results.

• Support implementation and role out of Global Quality Standards.

• Approve microbiology documentation authorizing product release (data review and approval, and entry into LIMs and/or SAP).

• Interpret and communicate corporate microbiological program requirements to local teams.  Act as resident subject matter expert for microbiology.

• Ensure failure investigations and OOS results are accurately documented.

• Mentor and train plant personnel and laboratory staff with regard to potential micro issues, risk avoidance, hygiene and good housekeeping practices.

• Function as part of the plant Quality, CPM, C&S & Water teams.

• Understand and implement the on-site microbiological sampling and testing program for water, raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), environmental samples and finished products at the facility, including optimization of C&S procedures.  The plan must be based on QS 023.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology or related major.  Must include significant coursework in Microbiology (at least four courses).

• Minimum three years of experience in a GMP laboratory environment (Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Food, Environmental).  This experience should include working in a manufacturing environment both in a lab and with exposure to plant floor micro control programs.

• Familiarity with and ability to implement GMP compliant failure investigations, CAPA, deviation, and change documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Solid Understanding and practical Experience with good laboratory practices (GLP’s) - General Microbiological laboratory practices, Instrumentation (autoclaves, gram staining, water purification system, etc), failure investigation of nonconforming product, and general computer skills (i.e. Google suite, MS Word, MS Excel, SPC, SAP, e-mail).

• Displays a high energy level, and puts top priority in getting results.

• Ability to Make decisions and communicate effectively while under pressure.

• Develops relationships with people throughout the facility.

• Communication - Speaks and writes optimally, and keeps people up to date with information. Maintains lab notebooks and testing documentation.

• Generates innovative ideas and solutions to problems and stimulates others to continuous improvement.

• Proven knowledge of Microbiology, validations, cGMP, and instrumentation.

• Ability to work independently with initiative, to set priorities, and to execute multiple tasks within a prescribed time frame.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $60,400.00 - $90,500.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our purpose starts with our people — ensuring our workforce represents the people and communities we serve —and creating an environment where our people feel they belong; where we can be our authentic selves, feel treated with respect and have the support of leadership to impact the business in a meaningful way.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.

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