QC Food Microbiologist – Abu Dhabi

A leading Food Ingredients Industry in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi is looking for an experienced QC Food Microbiologist to join its Quality Control and Food Safety team. The role is responsible for conducting microbiological testing, monitoring food safety risks, maintaining laboratory documentation, supporting HACCP and food safety management systems, and ensuring compliance with applicable UAE food safety requirements.

The successful candidate will have strong hands-on experience in food microbiology, microbiological analysis, quality control, HACCP, ISO 22000, laboratory procedures, and food safety systems.

Job Responsibilities

Microbiological Testing and Laboratory Analysis

• Conduct routine and specialized microbiological testing of food products, raw materials, finished products, and environmental samples.
• Perform microbiological analysis using appropriate laboratory methods, including plate count methods, ATP testing, microscopy, and other microbiological techniques.
• Ensure samples are properly collected, identified, handled, tested, and documented according to established laboratory procedures.
• Monitor microbiological parameters against approved specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Investigate microbiological test failures, out-of-specification results, and abnormal laboratory findings.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, materials, media, reagents, and testing procedures are maintained and used correctly.
• Follow good laboratory practices and maintain appropriate hygiene and safety standards within the laboratory.

Food Safety and Quality Control

• Monitor microbiological risks associated with raw materials, production processes, finished products, and the production environment.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of food safety controls and prerequisite programs.
• Develop, review, and update HACCP plans based on microbiological risks, process changes, and food safety requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to microbiological control, sanitation, hygiene, and product quality.
• Analyse microbiological results and identify trends, recurring issues, and potential risks.
• Recommend appropriate corrective and preventive actions based on laboratory findings and microbiological trends.
• Work closely with QC, Production, R&D, and Food Safety teams to investigate and resolve microbiological issues.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test results, reports, trend analyses, and corrective action documentation.
• Ensure laboratory documentation is complete, accurate, traceable, and readily available for audits and investigations.
• Support internal and external audits related to food safety, quality control, microbiological testing, HACCP, and ISO 22000.
• Assist with product recall investigations, microbiological incidents, crisis management, and related food safety activities.
• Ensure testing and quality control activities comply with applicable UAE food safety regulations, standards, and organizational requirements.
• Contribute to the review and improvement of laboratory procedures, food safety programs, and quality control systems.

Training and Team Collaboration

• Provide training and guidance to production personnel on personal hygiene, sanitation, microbiological risks, and food safety controls.
• Communicate microbiological findings and food safety concerns effectively to relevant departments.
• Participate in cross-functional investigations and corrective action initiatives.
• Promote a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the organization.

Laboratory Health and Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe microbiological laboratory environment.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures when handling samples, microorganisms, chemicals, equipment, and laboratory materials.
• Comply with applicable HSE requirements and support broader workplace health and safety initiatives.
• Report laboratory hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions promptly.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should have practical experience in food microbiology and quality control, along with a strong understanding of food safety management systems.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in Quality and Food Safety.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in microbiological analysis, preferably within a food-related laboratory or production environment.
• Experience with food, raw material, finished product, and environmental microbiological testing is highly desirable.
• Good knowledge of HACCP principles and implementation.
• Strong understanding of ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems.
• Knowledge of applicable UAE food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures, microbiological testing methods, documentation, and quality control practices.

Skills – Microbiologist

• Food microbiology and microbiological testing
• Food quality control
• Environmental microbiological monitoring
• Plate count and microbiological analysis techniques
• ATP testing and microscopy
• HACCP implementation and review
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems
• Food safety risk assessment
• Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Microbiological trend analysis
• Laboratory documentation and reporting
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving
• Internal and external audit support
• Food safety regulatory compliance
• Good laboratory practices
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Good computer and documentation skills
• Ability to work effectively with QC, Production, R&D, and Food Safety teams

Key Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical and critical-thinking ability
• Practical problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication
• Strong documentation and reporting skills
• Ability to identify microbiological risks and recommend effective controls
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to food safety, quality, laboratory safety, and continuous improvement

Job Location

Candidates who are currently based in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE with relevant food microbiology and quality control experience may be considered, subject to the employer’s requirements.

Disclaimer: FoodTechSafety.com is a membership-based platform. Job listings are posted by employers, and all hiring decisions are made solely between the employer and the job seeker.

---

---