IFF · 3 days ago
Microbiologist
Clackamas, OR
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$72K/yr - $90K/yr
2+ years expIFF is a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, and they are seeking a Microbiologist to perform microbiological testing on dietary supplement products and ensure compliance with industry standards. The role involves troubleshooting lab equipment, method validation, and supporting continuous improvement projects in a BSL-3 environment.
Manufacturing
Responsibilities
Perform routine and non-routine microbiological analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dietary supplement products, including: Total aerobic count, yeast/mold, coliforms/E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria (as applicable to product risk); Indicator organisms and pathogen screens using AOAC-validated methods and lab SOPs
Execute sample preparation, serial dilutions, plating, incubation, enumeration/identification, and confirmation
Operate and maintain rapid microbiology platforms, primarily Soleris (Neogen), including assay setup, calibration checks, control verification, and result interpretation
Diagnose and resolve issues with Soleris instruments, incubators, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, balances, and pipettes
Perform routine preventive maintenance, calibrations/verifications, and coordinate vendor service when needed
Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for out-of-trend results or equipment deviations; implement CAPA and document impact assessments
Follow and improve SOPs, test method validations/verifications, and uncertainty of measurement where applicable
Ensure complete traceability, chain of custody, and method adherence in alignment with the laboratory’s ISO/IEC 17025 scope
Author and review test reports, method validations, and nonconformance and deviation records
Participate in internal audits, proficiency testing/interlaboratory comparisons, and support external assessments
Record data contemporaneously and accurately
Review and approve results, calculations, and certificates of analysis (CoAs)
Plan and execute minor R&D projects (e.g., method optimizations, alternative rapid methods, media studies)
Design small-scale experiments, write protocols, analyze data, and present findings to stakeholders
Pilot process improvements to reduce TAT, improve robustness, and enhance throughput while maintaining compliance
Comply with Biosafety Level 3 practices, chemical hygiene, and waste management
Support 21 CFR Part 111 (cGMP for dietary supplements) interfaces as relevant to QC testing and release decisions
Participate in training and help maintain a culture of safety and continuous improvement
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field
2–5 years of microbiology experience in a QC or regulated lab
Hands-on experience with AOAC methods and routine microbiology workflows
Ability to troubleshoot microbiology instruments and laboratory equipment
Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements (method validation/verification, traceability, document control)
Excellent documentation skills; proficiency with Excel and MS Office
A legal right to work in the United States
Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check
Preferred
Experience in dietary supplement or food testing laboratories; familiarity with 21 CFR Part 111
Prior involvement in probiotic enumeration, method verification, and proficiency testing
Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience; exposure to CAPA/RCA
Company
IFF
At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
IFF has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (29)
2024 (23)
2023 (8)
2022 (4)
2021 (26)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown1978-01-13IPO
Leadership Team
J. Erik Fyrwald
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Deveau
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
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