Microbiologist Specialist

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

# 96945 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Come join our team!

The Microbiologist Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the corporate microbiological control programs at the plant level you will collaborate with other key functions to ensure production meets the requirements of the microbiological standards and operating procedures.

Microbiological control programs include, but are not limited to: Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and other associated prerequisite programs, cleaning and sanitization, environmental monitoring, finished product testing & release, and corrective and preventive actions. In addition, you will provide comprehensive microbiological support, training and guidance to site food safety teams.

We believe innovation comes from directed teamwork and collaboration!

Principal Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement microbiology initiatives and programs


• Utilize process and microbiological metrics to anticipate potential problems and recognize existing problems that could impact product safety and quality


• Assist in the development and implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce microbiological risks, including cleaning & sanitization, cGMP and preventive controls


• Supports FSMA initiatives and regulatory activities ensuring manufacturing sites are operating in compliance with all applicable microbial, food safety, quality and regulatory requirements


• Provide support for site micro non-conformance investigations. Provide guidance for preventive and/or corrective action plans.


• Lead improvement process for capturing learning from failures and sharing knowledge with all relevant stakeholders


• Assist in developing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Ensure microbiology and food safety records are appropriately documented. Ensure the interpretation of the data is correct and the results are effectively communicated to appropriate individuals


• Promote and organize training sessions to relevant stakeholders to build microbiology and food safety knowledge within facilities


• Provides and shares insight into managing microbiological hazards in post-extrusion added ingredients


• Consults with the contract manufacturing team to ensure compliance with Hill’s internal standards and regulatory requirements.


• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions.

Expected areas of skills:

Knowledge of food microbiology test methods and method qualification

Proficient knowledge of food microbiology, cleaning and sanitizing applications in low-moisture food environment, and sanitary design of equipment and facilities

Proficient in reviewing, understanding, and interpreting microbiological data

Ability to collect relevant information, identify trends and patterns and communicate

Ability to identify, define and analyze problems to determine root cause(s) and identify possible solutions

Proficient in developing and presenting business presentation to Senior Management

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)

Proficient Knowledge of HACCP, preventive controls, and cGMPs

Proficient in reviewing, understanding, and interpreting microbiological data

Excellent ability to multitask and prioritize duties

Proficient Computer skills including; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and SAP

Ability to perform data analysis utilizing Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau or equivalent software applications

Excellent project management skills

What you will need?

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology or related scientific field.


• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing/ plant operations environment

Physical requirements:

Ability to bend, climb, crawl, work in confined spaces, work in hazardous condition spaces, work in extreme weather conditions, use hazardous materials, and lift up to 50 lbs. on a continual basis and work in a standard office environment

Ability to work in a standard office environment

Preferred qualifications include:

Master’s degree or higher in Microbiology or related scientific field

Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Certification

Experience in a pet food or low-moisture food manufacturing environment

Auditing / audit skills experience in quality or food safety management systems, including internal / external auditing for compliance.

We recognize that it is our talented, dedicated, and diverse people that drive our worldwide success and make our company one of the best places to work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Are you interested in working for Hill's Pet Nutrition? You can apply online and attach all relevant documents such as a cover letter and resume or CV. Applications received by e-mail are not considered in the selection process. Become part of our team. We look forward to your application.

Work that matters, fueled by passion for pets!  At Hill’s we have a purpose.  Every day around the world, we transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, amazing nutrition, and the best and brightest people. Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hills' mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. 

HILL'S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL'S® Science Diet® and HILL'S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold worldwide. Hill’s is a division of Colgate-Palmolive, a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, with sales of products in more than 200 countries.  To learn more about Hill's and Colgate, please visit http://www.hillspet.com and http://www.colgatepalmolive.com, or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please contact [email protected] with the subject "Accommodation Request" should you require accommodation.