Food Microbiologist

A leading Turkish food manufacturing company specialising in cheese and a wide range of dairy products is seeking a qualified and experienced Food Microbiologist to join its laboratory team at its UAE manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses of raw materials, work-in-progress products, finished dairy products, water and environmental samples. The role plays an important part in maintaining food safety, product quality and microbiological compliance across cheese manufacturing and related production operations.

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in food microbiology laboratory testing, environmental monitoring, sample preparation and microbiological quality control, preferably within the dairy or food manufacturing industry.

Job Responsibilities

Microbiological Testing and Laboratory Analysis

• Conduct microbiological analyses of incoming raw materials, milk, intermediate products, finished cheese varieties, dairy products, water and environmental samples.
• Perform routine microbiological testing in accordance with approved laboratory procedures, testing methods and product specifications.
• Carry out microbiological examinations to assess product hygiene, microbial quality and compliance with established food safety standards.
• Prepare microbiological culture media, reagents, dilutions and other materials required for laboratory testing.
• Perform sample collection, preparation, labelling, handling and storage while maintaining sample integrity.
• Monitor microbiological results and identify abnormal findings, deviations and potential contamination risks.
• Ensure accurate recording, interpretation and reporting of microbiological test results.

Chemical and Physical Quality Analysis

• Conduct chemical analyses of raw materials, intermediate products and finished dairy products.
• Perform routine testing for fat content, dry matter, salt, moisture and other relevant product quality parameters.
• Evaluate product texture and selected physical characteristics in accordance with established specifications.
• Assist with laboratory testing to verify product consistency and compliance with quality requirements.
• Maintain accurate analytical records and communicate results to the Quality Assurance and Production teams.

Environmental Monitoring and Food Safety

• Conduct environmental microbiological monitoring across production areas, processing equipment, food-contact surfaces and relevant facility locations.
• Perform microbiological swabbing and sampling according to the established environmental monitoring programme.
• Monitor hygiene conditions and assess microbiological risks within cheese and dairy processing operations.
• Review environmental monitoring results and promptly report unsatisfactory or out-of-specification findings.
• Support investigations into microbiological contamination, product deviations and hygiene-related issues.
• Assist in identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with applicable food safety, hygiene, health and safety requirements.

Sensory Evaluation and Product Quality

• Organise and conduct sensory evaluations of cheese and other dairy products.
• Assess product characteristics such as appearance, colour, aroma, flavour, texture and consistency.
• Support product quality assessments and communicate sensory evaluation findings to relevant departments.
• Assist in identifying product quality variations and deviations from established specifications.

Laboratory Equipment and Documentation

• Operate, maintain and monitor laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated and maintained according to established schedules.
• Maintain laboratory records, testing reports, calibration records, media preparation records and equipment maintenance documentation.
• Ensure laboratory procedures and testing activities follow approved protocols and quality control requirements.
• Identify laboratory equipment issues and coordinate with relevant personnel for timely corrective action.
• Maintain proper laboratory housekeeping, chemical handling and safe working practices.

Quality Assurance, Audits and Team Coordination

• Work closely with Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Production and Research and Development teams.
• Communicate microbiological results, quality trends and potential food safety concerns to relevant departments.
• Participate in internal and external food safety and quality audits.
• Coordinate with external laboratories, testing agencies and service providers when required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory performance, product quality and food safety management.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Science, Biology or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience in microbiological laboratory testing is essential.
• Previous experience in a food manufacturing laboratory, preferably within the dairy, cheese or milk processing industry.
• Good understanding of food microbiology, dairy microbiology, food safety principles and quality control requirements.
• Practical knowledge of microbiological sample preparation, culture media preparation, reagent preparation and routine laboratory testing methods.
• Experience in environmental monitoring, surface swabbing and microbiological sampling.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation, calibration, maintenance and quality control procedures.

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• Ability to interpret microbiological results, identify deviations and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Knowledge of chemical and physical testing methods, particularly fat, moisture, salt and dry matter analysis, is an advantage.
• Experience in sensory evaluation of food products, particularly cheese and dairy products, is preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety management systems, HACCP, GMP and relevant food hygiene requirements.
• Good analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and laboratory documentation or information systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates with experience in dairy and cheese manufacturing environments will have an advantage, particularly those familiar with:

• Microbiological quality control of milk, cheese and dairy-based products.
• Routine microbiological testing of raw materials and finished dairy products.
• Environmental monitoring programmes in food processing facilities.
• Hygiene monitoring and microbiological verification of production areas.
• Chemical and physical quality assessment of different cheese varieties.
• Laboratory documentation, testing procedures and food safety audits.

Job Location

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Industry

Food Manufacturing | Dairy Processing | Cheese Production | Food Quality Control

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