Microbiologist – Abu Dhabi

Microbiologist wanted in Abu Dhabi to support laboratory testing, food safety monitoring, quality control, and microbiological risk management. The position requires practical laboratory experience and a good understanding of food safety systems and microbiological controls.

Experience: Minimum 4 years in Quality & Food Safety, including 2 years of microbiology experience
Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Science

Responsibilities

• Carry out microbiological testing of raw materials, food products, finished products, and environmental samples.
• Prepare samples and perform routine laboratory tests using approved microbiological methods.
• Monitor test results and report any results that do not meet established requirements.
• Maintain laboratory records, test reports, sample details, and other required documentation.
• Support environmental monitoring and hygiene verification activities.
• Assist with investigations into microbiological contamination, product issues, and laboratory deviations.
• Review microbiological results to identify recurring problems and trends.
• Support HACCP activities and other food safety programs.
• Work with Quality, Production, R&D, and Food Safety teams when microbiological concerns arise.
• Assist during internal and external audits by providing relevant laboratory records and information.
• Support corrective and preventive actions related to microbiological findings.
• Follow laboratory hygiene, safety, and good laboratory practices at all times.
• Ensure testing activities follow company procedures and applicable UAE food safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience in Quality and Food Safety.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on microbiology laboratory experience.
• Practical knowledge of food and environmental microbiological testing.
• Understanding of HACCP and ISO 22000.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, sample handling, and microbiological testing.
• Familiarity with UAE food safety requirements is preferred.

Required Skills

• Food Microbiology: Strong understanding of microorganisms relevant to food safety, spoilage, contamination, and product quality.
• Microbiological Testing: Practical ability to perform routine microbiological examinations of food, raw materials, finished products, and environmental samples.
• Laboratory Techniques: Knowledge of sample preparation, dilution, plating, incubation, colony counting, microscopy, and other standard microbiological procedures.
• Environmental Monitoring: Ability to support environmental sampling programs and assess microbiological conditions in production and processing areas.
• Sample Handling: Correct collection, identification, labeling, storage, preparation, and disposal of microbiological samples.
• Laboratory Documentation: Accurate recording of test results, observations, sample information, equipment checks, and laboratory activities.

• Microbiological Data Analysis: Ability to review laboratory results, identify unusual findings, monitor trends, and highlight potential food safety concerns.
• Food Safety Systems: Good working knowledge of HACCP principles, prerequisite programs, hygiene controls, and ISO 22000 requirements.
• Contamination Investigation: Ability to assist in investigating positive microbiological results, contamination events, deviations, and recurring laboratory findings.
• Corrective Action: Ability to support root cause investigations and recommend or follow up on corrective and preventive actions related to microbiological issues.
• Quality Control: Understanding of product specifications, microbiological limits, testing schedules, and quality control procedures.
• Laboratory Quality Practices: Ability to follow approved test methods, laboratory procedures, quality controls, and good laboratory practices consistently.
• Equipment and Materials: Basic knowledge of microbiology laboratory equipment, media, reagents, incubators, sterilization procedures, and routine equipment checks.
• Regulatory Awareness: Understanding of applicable UAE food safety requirements and the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Audit Support: Ability to organize laboratory records and provide technical information during internal and external audits.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical approach when identifying causes of microbiological problems and evaluating possible solutions.
• Communication: Ability to clearly communicate laboratory results, microbiological risks, and quality concerns to relevant departments.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with Quality, Food Safety, Production, R&D, and other operational teams.
• Computer Skills: Good working knowledge of MS Office and digital systems used for laboratory records, reporting, data analysis, and documentation.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy when handling samples, performing tests, recording results, and reviewing laboratory data.
• Health and Safety: Commitment to laboratory safety, personal hygiene, proper handling of microbiological materials, and workplace HSE requirements.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented microbiologist who can work accurately in a laboratory environment and communicate test findings effectively. Candidates should be comfortable working with different departments and following established laboratory and food safety procedures.