Senior Microbiologist Specialist

Job Description Summary:

The Senior Microbiologist Specialist combines hands-on laboratory testing with cross-site strategic microbiology leadership across both CPSNA sites. Approximately 50% of the role is dedicated to performing microbiological testing as a laboratory analyst, and approximately 50% to leading strategic microbiology initiatives — including risk governance, EMP standardization, and AI/predictive-model enablement — across ABBP and CRI. The role ensures timely execution of analyses, adherence to quality and safety standards, and effective communication with the Senior Lab Manager, CPSNA. The Senior Microbiologist Specialist supports compliance with QMS, GLP, and KORE requirements across both sites, drives standardized risk-based testing strategies, and serves as the senior microbiology point of contact for CPSNA, ensuring consistent, high-quality microbiological practices across both sites.

Key duties/responsibilities:

Laboratory Testing (≈50% of role)

• Perform microbiological testing on water, raw materials, finished products, and for EMP and CIP as a member of the site testing team.
• Apply Internal and KORE standard methods, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and traceability of results.
• Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for other analysts on complex or atypical test results.
• Leverage state-of-the-art technology to enable rapid, fit-for-purpose testing methods at the bench.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), internal standards, and KORE requirements across both sites.
• Identify deviations and ensure timely resolution across CPSNA.
• Support non-conformance and root cause analysis (RCA), promoting a consistent methodology across both sites.

Strategic Risk Assessment & Decision Support (≈50% of role)

• Conduct and review microbiological (complex and non-complex) risk assessments using product characteristics, process conditions, EMP data, and CIP data — partnering with CPSNA Operations and PQA sites.
• Own or co-own risk assessments across CPSNA for rework and remnant requests; out-of-specification results (ingredients, finished products, water, CIP, EMP); and alerts and emerging risks.
• Recommend and harmonize risk-based testing strategies across both sites.

Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) — Cross-Site Standardization

• Co-define and optimize a unified EMP approach across Atlanta and Puerto Rico in collaboration with CPSNA PQA Manager.
• Standardize sampling strategy and sampling point selection across sites.
• Monitor and ensure EMP effectiveness is aligned with microbiological risk network-wide.

Data Analytics, AI & Digital Enablement

• Analyze microbiological trends across both sites and develop shared risk dashboards and data-driven insights for decision-making.
• Lead adoption of AI and digital tools for real-time microbiology decisions, and predictive models to anticipate microbiological risks, across CPSNA.
• Champion the AI/automation pillar for microbiology as part of the broader lab transformation and technology roadmap.

Food Safety Culture

• Lead food safety quality initiatives with PQA at both sites, supporting the Food Safety Coordinator & HACCP review.
• Contribute microbiological risk assessments and preventive control strategies across CPSNA.

People Development

• Support growth and development of analysts across both CPS sites within microbiology, including mentoring and technical coaching.

Global & Cross-Functional Engagement

• Represent CPSNA (both sites) at Global Laboratory level.
• Lead or contribute to CPS Global Laboratory Projects related to microbiology.
• Implement global initiatives across both sites within domain of expertise.
• Collaborate with and influence global and local stakeholders to drive a single, standardized microbiology program across CPSNA.

Job Requirements/Qualifications

Type of previous work experience required:

Desirable experience in the position or similar function as:

• • Microbiologist / Senior Laboratory Analyst

Number of years of previous work experience required:

• • Minimum 6+ years of laboratory experience or equivalent, including demonstrated experience balancing hands-on testing with strategic or technical project leadership.
  • Multi-site or cross-functional project experience strongly preferred.

Education 

• • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related science required; Master's degree preferred in Microbiology, Science, Project Management or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Advanced QMS, KORE, and regulatory knowledge.

Technical skills 

• • Proficiency in microbiological testing methods applicable to water, ingredients, and finished food and beverage products.
  • Familiarity with nonconforming materials management, CAPA processes, and root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Working knowledge of GLP within a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Competence in risk analysis, especially using AI and predictive modeling tools.
  • Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS); preferred experience with S4Hana.

Skills:

Location(s):

City/Cities:

Travel Required:

Relocation Provided:

Job Posting End Date:

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.