Job Description
Our client is a key player in the agricultural production sector. They are looking to hire a seasoned Microbiologist Quality Control experienced in the Food Processing industry.
Job Summary
The ideal candidate is responsible
for conducting microbiological analyses of raw materials, in-process samples, finished plantain
flour, and the production environment. The role ensures compliance with food safety standards
(NAFDAC, SON, HACCP, ISO, FDA/EU requirements) and supports the company’s mission to
deliver safe, high-quality plantain flour for local and international markets.This role is a food safety enforcement function, not a passive lab testing role.
Essential responsibilities
1. Microbiological Testing & Surveillance
• Perform routine and ad-hoc microbiological testing on:
o raw plantains
o processed flour
o water systems
o production surfaces
o packaging materials
• Monitor and quantify:
o E. coli
o Salmonella spp.
o Total plate count (TPC)
o Yeast and mold levels
• Identify contamination trends before they become production risks
2. Food Safety & Compliance Monitoring
• Support and enforce HACCP and ISO 22000 food safety systems
• Ensure microbiological compliance with:
o NAFDAC standards
o SON requirements
o applicable export regulations (FDA/USDA-aligned expectations where applicable)
• Ensure all test results are documented, traceable, and audit-ready
3. Laboratory Systems & Method Development
• Develop, validate, and standardize microbiological testing procedures
• Ensure repeatability and accuracy of all lab methods
• Maintain SOPs for all microbiological processes
• Continuously improve testing efficiency and reliability
4. Laboratory Operations & Equipment Control
• Maintain calibration and functionality of:
o autoclaves
o incubators
o microscopes
o colony counters
• Ensure full sterility and cleanliness of laboratory environment
• Enforce strict aseptic techniques across all lab activities
5. Hygiene & Environmental Monitoring
• Conduct routine hygiene swabbing of:
o equipment surfaces
o production floors
o staff hands and uniforms (where required)
• Monitor environmental contamination risks in production zones
• Flag hygiene breaches immediately and recommend corrective actions
6. Deviation Investigation & Corrective Action
• Investigate microbiological failures or abnormal results
• Identify root causes (raw material, process, environment, water, handling)
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Work directly with production and QA to enforce fixes
7. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with:
o Production (process hygiene control)
o QA/QC (product release decisions)
o Maintenance (equipment hygiene and sterilization risks)
• Provide microbiological input into operational decisions affecting product safety
8. Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain complete and audit-ready laboratory records
• Generate:
o daily lab logs
o weekly microbiological reports
o deviation and risk reports
Experience and Qualification Requirements
âªBSc in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field
• 2–4 years hands-on experience in food manufacturing lab OR FMCG quality control lab
• Strong knowledge of:
o microbial culturing techniques
o aseptic lab practices
o pathogen detection methods
Compliance Knowledge (MUST HAVE)
• HACCP implementation experience
• ISO 22000 food safety systems exposure
• Familiarity with NAFDAC and SON requirements
• Understanding of food borne pathogens and contamination pathways
Technical Competence
Candidate must demonstrate ability to:
• Independently run microbial tests (not just assist)
• Prepare culture media and interpret results
• Document results in a traceable and audit-compliant format
