Microbiology Laboratory Technician

The role of the microbiologist is to bring technical expertise to the R&D Brussels Microbiology team, aiming to support the Beverages for Life vision of The Coca-Cola Company. This position will be part of the R&D microbiology laboratory team supporting the Research & Innovation for Europe, Africa and Eurasia region. Knowledge and hands-on experience in food microbiology or beverage microbiology, and more specifically related to microbiological analytical testing and methods, are required.

**Key Duties/Responsibilities**
- Samples management: manage requests, perform analysis, record and release of the microbiology results (using LIMS system), provide recommendations
- Testing of raw materials, in-process & finished products from Pilot Plant productions and product development research laboratory, according to internal standards
- Ensure testing of samples carried out within turn-around-time (TAT) or agreed timescales with strict adherence to written methods, procedures and GLPs
- Collect and process samples in accordance with environmental monitoring sampling programs for Pilot Plant production area (i.e., swabbing of equipment surface, air sampling etc.)
- Trending and analysis of the environmental monitoring data
- Carry out microorganism identification using MALDI-TOF MS technique, culture collection maintenance
- Provide support to validation/verification of the Pilot Plant and laboratory equipment
- Prepare media, reagents, sanitize and sterilize lab and equipment
- Management of the daily laboratory tasks, daily upkeep and cleanliness of the laboratory, in compliance with all GLP standards
- Management of the consumables and reagents stock and purchase order
- Support the microbiological team (with future potential to lead) in specific projects or requests, challenge test studies and global projects
- To liaise with all the cross functional teams within R&D Brussels department: Product developers, Pilot Plant and Product stability teams to facilitate communication and deliver expected objectives
- Work closely with Global Microbiology Community to share best practices across laboratories
- Shipment and communication with external laboratories (when required)
- Work independently with support and direction from senior members of the staff and manager
- Identify, suggest & implement improvement on microbiology support, routine, and communication.
- Comply with standard safety practices, safety rules, and all Company rules and policies.
- Education: minimum bachelor’s or master’s degree in microbiology, Life Sciences, Food science or related field
- Experience: at least 2-3 years in the microbiology laboratory and in microbiological analytical methods, preferably in the food and/or beverage industry, with a sound knowledge of GLPs, SOPs and quality control processes
- Experience in aseptic techniques and clean room operations
- Experience in challenge test studies is an asset
- Experience in ISO17025 accredited lab and with quality management system are a plus
- Strong communication, organizational, planning and IT skills; LIMS experience is an asset
- Curious, enthusiastic, proactive, and continuous improvement mindset
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude
- Team player
- Ability to be flexible with schedule, and work overtime as needed
- Autonomous, able to work on own initiative

**Skills**

Chemistry; Product Development; Leadership; Environmental Science; Researching; organization; Project Management; Food Sciences; Food Technology; Communication; Food Safety and Sanitation; Laboratory Testing; Influencing; Quality Control (QC); 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, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors - curious, empowered, inclusive and agile - and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.