R&D Microbiology Lab Technician

Role Summary

The R&D Microbiology Laboratory Technician provides technical and laboratory support to Global R&D Microbiological Sciences team. This role is responsible for performing routine microbiological testing, preparing microbiological media and reagents, supporting product safety and quality programs, and assisting with challenge studies, shelf-life studies, and other research activities. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D microbiologists to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant laboratory operations that support innovation, product development, and consumer testing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample handling & testing: Receive, log, label, and process R&D and pilot‐plant samples; execute routine tests (e.g., APC, coliforms, yeast & mold), swabs/rinse waters, per defined Valhalla methods and micro sampling plans; document results with precision.

• Media & reagent preparation: Prepare high‐quality culture media, buffers, and reagents; perform sterility checks; maintain lot and expiration records.

• Support studies: Assist Microbiologists during microbiological challenge/qualification studies (inoculation, monitoring, data capture); ensure aseptic technique and adherence to protocols.

• Result reporting: Record, verify, and route test outcomes; notify stakeholders of releases or out‐of‐spec findings in line with Valhalla release procedures.

• Lab operations: Maintain inventory, order supplies/consumables; perform equipment checks and cleaning (incubators, waterbaths, refrigerators/freezers) and complete LQS logs/SOPs.

• Quality system & GLP: Follow SOPs, data integrity and traceability practices; support QC programs and proficiency activities; uphold safety and GLP standards.

• Culture collection: Maintain and update the laboratory culture collection per department practices.

• Digital/lab systems: Use SharePoint/DM templates and LIMS/recording tools for sample tracking and data entry (as applicable to Valhalla).

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline with microbiology coursework/labs.

• Experience: 1–3+ years hands‐on experience in a microbiology lab (or equivalent academic, internship or co-op experience) performing standard methods (serial dilutions, pour/spread plates, colony counting, culture transfers).

• Technical skills: Proficient aseptic technique; operation of micro lab equipment (autoclave, incubators, membrane filtration, pH meter, balances, biosafety cabinet); accurate documentation.

• Soft skills: Strong attention to detail, ability to follow written procedures, teamwork, communication, and time management in a fast‐paced R&D environment.

Tools & Equipment (Valhalla Lab)

Role involves routine use of: autoclave (bench/stand‐alone), incubators (walk‐in/benchtop), membrane filtration units, biosafety cabinet/laminar flow hood, refrigerators/freezers, waterbaths, colony counters, microscopes, pH meters, balances, UV lamp; plus standard PPE and lab supplies per Valhalla SOPs.

About company - Since its founded in 1996, CTC has grown into a trusted global partner in AI & ML, Enterprise Applications, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Business Services. With headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, CTC has a team of over 2,000 experts worldwide. We empower more than 100 organizations to tackle complex challenges and transform them into sustainable competitive strengths--driving innovation, efficiency, and growth every step of the way. Our strengths have always been Commitment to Customer, Commitment to Colleagues, and Commitment to Community (CTC).