Microbiology Lab Operations Manager

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 55,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 50 countries. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

In 2020, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 5.4 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Position Summary:

The Laboratory Operations Manager receives sufficient authority from, and is accountable to, the Business Unit Manager or appointed designate for the successful completion of assigned duties and responsibilities and has the authority to take action necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position and to identify the occurrence of departures from the quality system or from the procedures for performing tests and/or calibrations, so long as such action does not deviate from established company guidelines, is consistent with sound technical and business judgment, and follows the practices of the laboratory. Acts as back up to Business Unit /Quality Manager in his/her absence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead team, schedule, and train employees
• Ensure adherence to highest quality and efficiency standards in laboratory operations
• Ensure coverage and performance
• Foster morale and teamwork
• Demonstrates and promotes the company vision
• Regular attendance and punctuality
• Assist the Business Unit Manager in managing daily operations of the microbiology laboratory including scheduling, supervising, instructing, monitoring, and assisting in the performance of manual and instrumental analyses.
• Use appropriate quality measures, which meet or exceed the standards set by government regulations, and company requirements, when performing assigned tasks.
• Promote the company image through the exercising sound and ethical business practices as related to the public and our customers.
• Understand and follow Quality System documents relevant to responsibilities, e.g., Quality Manual, Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), and Test Methods.
• Troubleshoot equipment/instruments utilized and performs minor repairs.  Coordinate major instrument repairs with repair person(s).  Establish and implement procedures to ensure that assigned equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated/standardized, and adequate for the testing performed and is maintained in good working order.  This includes maintaining equipment operating instructions, manuals, and required logbooks.  Ensures all regulatory procedures pertaining to sample testing are followed correctly, if they are in normal course of work.
• Maintain a neat and accurate record system; keeps accurate records of work performed daily and as needed for quality control results.
• Assist laboratory staff in making sure that analytical work done under ISO meets requirements.
• Review and evaluate test data generated within assigned area of responsibility for technical accuracy, as well as SOP and test method compliance.  Perform and provide basic evaluation of statistical tests to determine the quality accuracy of data and report values.
• Investigate to determine the cause of non-conformances that are identified, determine and implement corrective action; and follow-up to ensure that the corrective action resolved the problem.
• Create and review reports.
• Review applications, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions for the position reporting to this position.
• Train and document the training of assigned technical staff on test methods, formal SOPs, regulations, ISO requirements, and laboratory policies/procedures applicable to area of responsibility.
• Review annually the performance of personnel that report directly to this position.
• Remain current on technical, industry, and business advancements and trends as suggested by the Business Unit Manager.
• Maintain a perpetual state of readiness
• Adhere to all pertinent company health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Minimum Qualifications for this position:

· Bachelor's degree in Science or related field with at least 3-5 years of supervisory experience.

· Must be able to organize and lead laboratory personnel in a manner that reflects corporate goals and objectives and schedule workflow to optimize laboratory productivity and client satisfaction in a cost-effective manner.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications Continued:

· Strong leadership, initiative, and teambuilding skills

· Experience in laboratory procedures, data analysis, computer operations, mathematics and technical / business writing

· Experience with PCR, ELISA, and cultural confirmation of known foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, and E coli O157H7

· Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills

· Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude

· Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies

Position is Full-time, with overtime as needed. Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of North Platte, NE are encouraged to apply.

As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work.  We offer excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays and vacation, personal days, and dental and vision options.

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.