Micro head

Job Description:

• Lead and oversee the Microbiology Division of the laboratory.
• Plan, manage, and review microbiological testing of food, pharma, and environmental samples, including:
o Pathogen detection (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus, etc.)
o Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold, Coliforms
o Sterility, Endotoxin, Preservative Efficacy, Microbial Limits (for Pharma)
o Water and environmental monitoring samples
• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, NABL guidelines, FSSAI, CDSCO, BIS, and international standards.
• Supervise method validation, verification, and microbiological quality control.
• Review, interpret, and authorize microbiological test reports as Authorized Signatory.
• Guide and train microbiology team members on advanced techniques and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Ensure calibration, maintenance, and performance verification of instruments (Incubators, Autoclaves, PCR, Biosafety Cabinets, ELISA readers, etc.).
• Coordinate with QA/Quality Head for internal audits, NABL assessments, CAPA, and proficiency testing schemes.
• Liaise with clients to provide technical interpretation of microbiological test results.
• Implement Biosafety practices, contamination control, and laboratory hygiene standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in microbiology operations.
Qualifications & Skills:
• Master’s / Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Technology, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in microbiological testing, with at least 5 years in a leadership / HOD role.
• Strong knowledge of NABL standards, FSSAI, CDSCO, USP, IP, and international microbiological guidelines.
• Hands-on expertise in pathogen detection, microbial limits testing, sterility, endotoxin testing, and advanced microbial identification techniques.
• Experience as an Authorized Signatory in NABL-accredited labs preferred.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and client-handling abilities.
• Proficiency in LIMS and laboratory documentation systems preferred.