Microbiology Lab Head – Food & Pharma Testing

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EFRAC is hiring a senior Microbiology Lab Head.

This position is meant for professionals who have already led microbiology teams in FSSAI / NABL (ISO/IEC 17025) / EIC accredited food testing laboratories.

Candidates without prior team-handling experience in such environments need not apply.

Role Overview

You will be responsible for end-to-end microbiology operations, regulatory compliance and team leadership for food, agriculture, water and pharmaceutical testing. This is a lab leadership role, not an analyst position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage microbiology testing operations across food, agri, water and pharma samples
• Ensure full compliance with FSSAI, ISO/IEC 17025 (NABL) and EIC requirements
• Technically guide and supervise pathogen testing as per FSSAI regulations across multiple matrices
• Review and approve microbiology results, worksheets and reports
• Lead preparation and interactions for FSSAI, NABL and EIC audits
• Enforce biosafety, hygiene and contamination-control practices
• Plan workload, manage TAT and allocate resources effectively
• Train, mentor and evaluate a team of microbiologists and technicians

Mandatory Experience & Background

✔ Experience in Food Testing Laboratories accredited by FSSAI, NABL and/or EIC

✔ Proven experience in managing and leading a microbiology team

✔ Direct involvement in regulatory and accreditation audits

Profiles limited to individual testing roles without people-management responsibility will not be considered.

Technical Expertise Required

Hands-on knowledge of microbiological analysis for:

• Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes
• E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus
• Vibrio spp., Campylobacter, Cronobacter
• Bacillus cereus, yeasts & moulds
• Indicator organisms as per FSSAI requirements for food, agri and water commodities

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc /Ph.D in Microbiology / Biotechnology or related discipline
• 10–15+ years of relevant microbiology experience
• Strong spoken English and communication skills