Microbiologist

About us

At the forefront of farming and food, UPSIDE Foods  is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat. UPSIDE Foods is a mission-driven company focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

The Microbiologist will lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of the microbiological testing program that supports microbiological needs of the EPIC plant. This includes processing of environmental monitoring, incoming raw material, work in progress material, and finished product samples. Successful candidates will be comfortable writing SOPs, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects with cross-functional teams. 

This is an exempt role in a food manufacturing facility with production 7 days a week. Schedules may vary but will typically be dayshift, with some afternoon shifts, evening/night hours and weekends, required as needed. 

Responsibilities include…

• Develop, implement, and maintain a microbiological testing program as aligned with GFSI or internal UPSIDE standards. Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 standards and execution preferred. 
• Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities. Experience with Labkey preferred.
• Ensures the EPIC’s laboratory is clean, sanitary, well-organized and that micro equipment maintenance operations are performed.
• Competent in executing various microbiological systems,  such as petrifilm, media & agar plates, PCR and other means of microbial identification.
• Demonstrable ability to support both FDA and USDA relationships, inspection regimens, post-market compliance plans, and adverse event reporting associated with the plant.
• Provide support for environmental monitoring programs, environmental sampling plans, and investigations.
• Partner with FSQA and plant management to plan and conduct investigations in response to non-conforming microbiological results.

About you…

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (microbiology, food science, etc.) preferred, or equivalent experience with 5+ years experience in food safety microbiology, preferably in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory setting.
• Ability to train and coach additional FTE’s as needed.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing and the ability to perform chemical and microbiological analyses associated with FSMA/HACCP/HARPC programs.
• Familiarity with various LIMS and data platforms.
• Experience and working knowledge of continuous improvement processes as well as the ability to effectively collaborate with other departments, suppliers and customers.
• Able to carry up to 40 pounds. Ability to stand up for long periods of time while monitoring operations and performing daily tasks. Able to don Personal Protective Equipment (safety glasses, gloves, footwear, lab coats or coveralls) on a daily basis, as well as hearing and dust protection as needed.

Who you’ll work with…

• This role will partner with Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Assay Development, and Operational teams to improve microbiological result turnaround and sampling optimization. 
• While we expect growth in EPIC capacity in the next 1-2 years, this role may support other off site teams with company growth and product launches.

Key Contributions in First Year…

• Establish a microbiological lab to process EPIC’s needs.
• Cross-train various members of the FSQA team to assist in daily microbiological testing and reporting.  
• Work with a cross functional team to incorporate a LIMS for the microbiological lab. 

UPSIDE Benefits!

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
• 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
• Pet insurance for your furry family members!
• Unlimited PTO 
• DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Council and People Engagement Programs
• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities