Microbiologist

ABOUT UDA:

UDA is a local, family-owned, dairy cooperative committed to serve the needs of our members, community, and customers by providing high quality milk and dairy products. As the only milk marketing co-op in the state, UDA oversees the production, processing, and marketing of Arizona’s finest milk products from farm to Retail in 48 hours or less. From sweet cream and butter to non-fat dry milk, UDA provides milk products to manufactures and supermarket chains throughout the Grand Canyon State.

Our motto at UDA is “United in Excellence.” The dairy industry’s success isn’t built on one dairy or brand, it’s built on the community as a whole - this includes our amazing employees. When you join UDA, you’re not just joining a business, you’re joining a family. Since 1960 UDA has been headquartered, operated, and managed in Arizona. We strive to provide our employees with rewarding career opportunities aimed at long-term stability, growth, and advancement. We put our heart and soul into our products and value our team who show up, every day and do the work.

Job Summary:

The Microbiologist is responsible for conducting both qualitative and quantitative testing on finished products, in process, water and environmental samples using aseptic techniques.  The Microbiologist follows all GLP/GDP guidelines and ensures that test results are accurate and in compliance with company policies.

MICROBIOLOGIST PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily workload and prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms and pathogens according to acceptable methods.
• Keep accurate and legible records and understand GDP.
• Independently pursue an assigned series of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with the Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, Quality Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safety Manual, and approved laboratory procedures. 
• Accurately perform and read test results and notify QA management of deviations.
• Prepare media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing.
• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by attending professional workshops and being aware of food industry issues and trends 
• Report inventory and expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements.
• Assist in quality control duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls etc., and other laboratory quality control procedures including quality control documentation.
• Assist with the coordination of sample collection, transport, and receiving.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area at all times.
• Adhere to all SOP’s and HACCP guidelines
• Always maintain food safety and quality standards, resolving and/or reporting compliance issues immediately

MICROBIOLOGIST - QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent Aseptic technique and use of biological hood
• Versed in GMP/GLP, FDA, SMEDP, ADPI, AOAC and other method reference sources

• Ability to work a variety of 12-hour shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.
• Detail orientated and the ability to conduct laboratory testing in a precise and accurate manner.
• Able to prioritize daily workload and meet laboratory deadlines as expected.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Requires ability to read, hear, speak, and comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions & Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Experience: (required)

• 1-4 years related experience in similar function or industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: (preferred)

• Experience that includes working in a GMP regulated industry preferred.
• 1-2 years of Microbiology experience preferred

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, or related field of study, or equivalent work experience in microbiology in related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently abled individuals to satisfactorily perform the essential functions.

• Requires ability to walk and stand for 12 or more hours at a time.
• Requires ability to safely operate equipment.
• Requires ability to work safely within the laboratory environment.
• Requires ability to visually observe the condition of surroundings.
• Requires ability to stoop, bend, reach, lift and carry items up to 55lbs often.
• Requires ability to push and pull items frequently up to 55lbs.
• Requires ability to hear and speak and frequently hear and speak in very noisy environments.
• Requires ability to work in confined spaces occasionally.
• Requires ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals. 

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Paid Time Off
• Shift Pay Differential
• Education Assistance
• On-site Fitness Center
• On-Site Health Clinic    

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list; employees may be subject to additional, or altered, tasks and the scope of the role may change as necessitated by business demands. UDA will not consider any application submissions from unauthorized third-parties, consulting, or external staffing firms and will not be held subject, or liable, to any terms, fees, or penalties associated with a submission.

UDA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.