Microbiology Lab Head – Food & Pharmaceutical Division

Location: EFRAC, Kolkata

Department: Microbiology

Experience: 1015 years (with at least 35 years in a leadership role)

Role Summary

The Microbiology Lab Head will lead the complete microbiology operations for the Food and Pharmaceutical testing divisions. The role requires strong technical depth in all routine and advanced microbiological test methods, hands-on expertise with instruments, and the ability to manage, guide, and develop a team of microbiologists. The person will ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, regulatory guidelines, and all internal QA standards of EFRAC.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership

* Oversee and guide all microbiological testing for food, pharma, water, environmental and surface samples.

* Ensure correct method selection, validation, verification, and adherence to SOPs.

* Troubleshoot complex microbiology issues related to media, contamination, equipment performance, and method execution.

* Approve analytical results, reports, and ensure technical integrity.

* Maintain high proficiency in classical and rapid methods (PCR-based, automated systems, pathogen detection platforms).

2. Operational & Quality Management

* Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, FSSAI, USFDA, and other relevant standards.

* Work closely with QA for audits, CAPAs, internal assessments, and method reviews.

* Monitor TAT, workload planning, and resource utilisation.

* Oversee media preparation, sterilisation, culture maintenance, consumables planning, and instrument calibration.

* Maintain strict hygiene, biosafety, and contamination-control protocols.

3. Team Management & Development

* Lead a team of microbiologists, analysts, and technicians; assign daily work and ensure timely completion.

* Conduct training sessions, competency evaluations, and skill-upgradation programs.

* Build a culture of discipline, ownership, and continuous improvement.

* Guide juniors on method interpretation, troubleshooting, and documentation accuracy.

4. Documentation & Reporting

* Ensure all worksheets, observations, logbooks, instrument records, and LIMS entries are complete and compliant.

* Review and approve COAs, microbiology reports, and investigations for OOS/OOT findings.

* Prepare monthly performance metrics and submit to senior management.

5. Stakeholder Coordination

* Coordinate with Operations, QA, Client Service, Sales and Sample Management teams.

* Participate in client audits, technical meetings, and address technical queries.

Qualifications

* M.Sc / M.Tech in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field (PhD preferred).

* 1015 years of experience in food and pharmaceutical microbiology testing.

* Strong knowledge of pathogens, indicator organisms, environmental monitoring, method validations, and regulatory requirements.

* Proven experience in leading a microbiology laboratory team.

* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Key Attributes

* Strong leadership and discipline.

* Attention to detail and high sense of responsibility.

* Ability to manage pressure and deliver consistent TAT.

• * Hands-on, technically sound, and confident in decision-making.