Senior Microbiologist - Omaha Nebraska

Company: Conagra Brands
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Posted On: 04/18/2024

We are looking for a Senior Microbiologist to join our Food Safety Quality & Regulatory Affairs group at our office in either Omaha, Nebraska or Chicago, Illinois.As the Senior Microbiologist, reporting to the Microbiology Manager, you will be part of a team that is an important component of the food safety, quality, and microbiology program at Conagra. You will support and oversee an assigned set of manufacturing locations/product categories and serve as a leader for food safety and applied food microbiology by providing technical support to ensure implementation and adherence to regulatory compliance, food safety and quality of company products. In this role, you will work with internal and external stakeholders to serve as the liaison between corporate and the manufacturing plants. Travel may be up to 50% as needed mostly to the Central US/Midwest area. This is not a Microbiology Lab based role. Position ResponsibilitiesProvide input and direction to the Conagra strategic food safety vision consistent with company direction and focus.Champion a positive food safety culture, take ownership, and empower others to take immediate action on matters concerning food safety.Develop sound food safety and quality programs to meet company and regulatory standards and ensure the adoption of best food safety and quality practices across the organization including pathogen environmental monitoring programs, food safety sampling and testing regimens, and leading-edge methods deployment.Conduct portfolio risk assessments and recommend risk mitigation strategies and approaches.Respond to food safety-related special situations and provide guidance and direction to the process.Interact with team members such as Operations, Quality, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and others on food safety-related issues, policies, programs and procedures.Collaborate with Procurement, Co-manufacturing Quality and others to ensure ConAgra's food safety standards are rigorously adhered to across the Global Supply Chain.Ensure that all appropriate pre-requisite programs to HACCP including training, GMP's, SSOP's, and others are developed and functioning as part of ConAgra's overall food safety system.Gathers and studies data to understand trends and issues in order to provide input to decisions related to product safety and quality in areas of assigned responsibility.Assists or supervises others in the organization within assigned technical areas of responsibility.Provides technical support and/or data analysis in managing situations and issues relative to quality and/or food safety.Conduct quality and food safety audits, individually or as part of a team at internal plant locations.Provides training to plant teams for issue management and procedure compliance. Works in the plant to resolve issues and assure food safety and quality of company products.Designs and implements processes and procedures within assigned technical area(s) of responsibility.Participates on cross functional teams to assure effective implementation and adherence of QA initiatives and process improvement of our suppliers.Assist in confirming Food Safety Plans (HACCP) are current, relevant, and executed effectively to meet Conagra standards, regulatory requirements (FDA and USDA), and prevent adulteration of product.Interfaces/provides technical support to appropriate functions and employees to assure regulatory compliance, food safety and quality of company products.Collaborates outside of FSQRA organization to drive efficiencies and effectiveness with regards to food safety and quality.Position QualificationsBachelors degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.5+ years related industry experience. Graduate students with project experience within operations at a manufacturing plant will also be considered.Knowledge of HACCP and related food safety systems as applied at the food manufacturing plant level.Experience with government regulations (FDA/USDA/CDC/State, Local and international).Experience managing cross-functional teams and technical teams in the area of food safety.Food Safety experience required. Pharma experience also considered.Previous manufacturing plant experience or understanding of plant operations.Excellent report writing skills.Working knowledge of statistical and analytical tools.Depending on the needs of the business, operational impact at the plant level may require up to 50% travel. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible Conagra representative.We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. periodically.Use of lab equipment and tools.Work in and around cramped/confined spaces.Climbing to various heights via stairs or laddersExposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended workdays to include loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions.Exposure to food tasting and smells including all food allergens.Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. The company will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)! #LI-MH1#LI-MSLOur Benefits:We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insuranceWealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase planGrowth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiencesBalance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)Our Company:Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that's passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye--, Marie Callender's--, Banquet--, Healthy Choice--, Slim Jim--, Reddi-wip--, and Vlasic--, and emerging brands, including Angie's-- BOOMCHICKAPOP--, Duke's--, Earth Balance--, Gardein--, and Frontera--.We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. More...

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