Microbiology Specialist

The Research and Development center located in Brussels is one of the main R&D centers of the Coca‐Cola Company. We oversee the development of new beverages (CSD, juices, iced teas, water, dairy ), packages and retail equipment innovation for Europe, Eurasia, Middle East and Africa.

We are looking for a microbiologist to provide strong technical support based on deep microbiology expertise to the R&D Brussels team aiming at supporting the Beverages for Life vision of The Coca-Cola Company. This role is an individual contributor role, reporting to the Food Safety Microbiology Manager.

**What You’ll Do for Us**:

- Work closely with the development team and provide regularly recommendation on development projects (Formula; process, equipment) to ensure product microbiological integrity. Provide guidance on microbiological sensitivity of ingredients, processes, and finished products.
- Review and recommend changes to proposed formulas, products or packages to ensure effective and efficient production including an evaluation and review of thermal processing parameters of a formula prior to approval.
- Review and recommend for microbiological specifications and analytical methods requirements with the respective ingredients’ suppliers.
- Support the product development team and the OU on specific complex projects. Propose, design and lead research project when needed (eg fermentation project, troubleshooting; process/Technology validation,).
- Design, conduct and coordinate microbiological challenge test studies on ingredients and finished products to determine their microbial sensitivity in the R&D microbiology laboratory, or coordinate along with external laboratories.
- Collaborate with internal and external laboratories, research institutions, and universities to address research and troubleshooting needs.
- Support the microbiological needs of the R&D microbiology laboratory, including carrying out routine microbiological analysis (Samples management; Carry out standard microbiological tests and analyzes of raw materials, ingredients or finished products from our Pilot Plant productions according to company standard; Perform and collect diverse types of sampling according to our environmental monitoring sampling programs in our Pilot Plant production area; Management of the daily laboratory tasks)
- Develop a good understanding of food processing technologies used within the beverage and food industry, and the potential impact on microbiological food safety and quality.
- Identify, suggest & implement improvement on microbiology support, routine and communication.
- Connect with all the cross functional teams within R&D Brussels department like Product developers, Pilot plant collaborators and Product guidance/stability teams in order to facilitate communication and deliver expected objectives.
- Work closely with Global R&D microbiology team to support the roll out of Corporate guidelines and initiatives and Be an active and engaged member of the Global Microbiology Communities
- Be accountable for the project delivery (Quality, timing). Ensure testing of samples carried out within turn-around-time (TAT) or agreed timescales and with strict adherence to written methods and procedures and GLPs.

**Qualifications & Requirements**:

- Educational requirements / qualifications: Master’s degree or PhD in food microbiology, environmental microbiology, food science or related field.
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in the food and beverage industry related to food safety microbiology and/or quality position or as microbiologist/project manager.
- Food safety risk assessment and management knowledge and experiences are highly desirable
- Proven hands-on experience in microbiology and challenge test, with a good knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
- Advanced knowledge in food microbiology or environmental microbiology.
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of food sciences, food processing technologies and manufacturing processes.
- Outstanding communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Additional language is a plus.

**What We Can Do for You**:

- You will grow as a member of our creative and multi-cultural R&D Team in Brussels, in the heart of Europe.
- You will work in one of the main R&D centers of The Coca-Cola Company, within a multidisciplinary team, supporting innovation for more than 100 countries.

**Travel requirements**:

- Travel will fluctuate and is projected as maximum of 10% of the time (annually).

**Skills**:
Leadership; Product Development; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Sensory Processing; Researching; Microbiology Laboratory; Project Management; Food Sciences; Food Technology; Communication; Laboratory Testing; Quality Control (QC); Food Safety Management; Green Solutions; Data Collections; Continuous Improvement (CI)**
Our Purpose and Growth Culture**:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, t