Scientist Microbiology

Location(s):

United States of America

City/Cities:

Atlanta

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

February 16, 2026

Shift:

Job Description Summary:

Microbiologist trained to perform complex microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process products and finished goods; prepares detailed reports with recommendations and performs routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment. The role supports incident management issues and routine troubleshooting.

The key responsibilities of this role will be to perform complex microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process products and finished goods; prepares detailed reports with recommendations and performs routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment.

The candidate will be

• proficient in applying established standards in microbiology;
• able to train and instruct analysts/scientists
• problem solving of microbiology related issues for a production facility
• A Subject Matter Expert with knowledge base acquired in microbiology as applied to beverages, beverage processing, beverage technology or related foods.  
• Works independently; may be required to coach other professionals.
• Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Quality Management Systems (QMS). 
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency.

Functional Skills:

• Ability to perform advanced, complex testing at a high level of throughput using the required methodology as required on ingredients, intermediates and finished products and report results.
• Demonstrates subject matter expertise in microbiology to evaluate data/information and make decisions, provide solutions to problems, and educated opinions on ingredients, syrups, beverages, concentrates or other substances to provide support to bottlers and customers. 
• Advanced Field Specialty in microbiology: Expert ability to integrate advanced techniques and to apply the most appropriate techniques to a broad range of problems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices; Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation, including instrumental theory, operation, maintenance and ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory methods;  LIMS; Quality management systems.
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results and recommendations that is clear and concise. Build technical relationships.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform basic and complex testing of materials at a high level of throughput using the required microbiological, analytical and/ or sensorial methodology according to quality guidelines
• Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that ingredients/materials meet specifications. Record results & write technical reports.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating and repairing).
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency (e.g., prioritize sample analysis, assign tasks, preventative maintenance).
• Train and instruct Laboratory analysts/scientists.
• Work to and ensure self and team compliance to quality management system requirements through training, documentations, quality records and audits.
• Perform data audit in order to ensure accuracy of data and analytical processes.  This may include database queries, statistical process control or correlation study.
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment (sampling, monitoring, analytical procedures) in order to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.  This may include performing capability studies.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to resolve troubleshooting issues; act as the business process owner

COMMUNICATION COMPLEXITIES: 

• Engage in daily contact with key laboratory personnel e.g.  Lab manager, other team members, understand lab workload, priorities and other pertinent information.
• Communicate with relevant other stakeholders such as R&D, OU and other Technical Functions, and suppliers, providing information on testing, results, other facts. Gather information from R&D, OU, others to help understand needs from lab operation. Clarify questions regarding testing, rejections, and unusual results, referencing analytical methodologies, Co. policy and local regulatory requirements. Provide training to internal (e.g. OU, bottlers) and external (e.g. suppliers) stakeholders.
• Provide technical support in IMCR investigations.
• Support Legal with matters that require technical input in area of expertise.
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results and recommendations that is clear and concise. Build technical relationships.
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language is required.  Spanish fluency is a plus

ANALYSIS:

Once the successful candidate has received appropriate training, they will be expected to perform at a high level and will:

• Be an expert with required testing within their dedicated area
• Evaluate information to determine compliance with specifications or standards
• Interpret results
• Work with Laboratory Manager to ensure proper use of resources
• Interpret of databases for specifications, methods, standards & advanced analytics
• Writes summaries and reports.

Innovation:

• Recommends new methods or instrumentation to address current and future needs of the laboratory.
• Applies Operational Excellence principles and processes to optimize lab operations.

Educational requirements:

• M.S. in Science preferably Microbiology, Food Science, or Food Technology
• with microbiology focus and a demonstrated aptitude to relate business and technical requirements.
• Masters or PhD in Microbiology (preferable)

Related work experience

• 8+ years relevant experience in a Laboratory in the food, pharmaceutical or chemical

The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Skills:

ISO 14000, ISO 18000, Microsoft Office, Six Sigma, Troubleshooting, Waterfall Model

Pay Range:

$109,000 - $129,000

Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:

15

Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.