QC Microbiologist
Lief Labs | Valencia, CA (Santa Clarita Valley)
Local Candidates Only | No Relocation Assistance |No Visa Sponsorship | No Agency or Third-Party Recruiter Referrals
Join a Leader in Dietary Supplement Innovation
Lief Labs is a premier formulation, product development, and manufacturing partner for leading dietary supplement brands. Our world-class R&D and Product Development teams create innovative, great-tasting formulations, while our state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing facility delivers scalable, turnkey solutions that help entrepreneurial companies build and grow successful brands.
We are seeking a QC Microbiologist to join our Quality Control team in Valencia, California. This is an exciting opportunity for a microbiology professional who thrives in a GMP-regulated environment and is passionate about product safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
In this role, you will serve as a key microbiological resource supporting the testing and release of raw materials, packaging components, in-process materials, and finished products while helping maintain the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
What You'll Do
Microbiological Testing & Quality Assurance
- Perform microbiological testing of raw materials, packaging components, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring samples.
- Conduct testing for APC, Yeast & Mold, Coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and other applicable microorganisms.
- Review and interpret laboratory results to ensure compliance with FDA, USP, and internal specifications.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable laboratory documentation in accordance with GMP, GLP, and data integrity requirements.
Environmental Monitoring & Validation
- Execute environmental monitoring programs, including air, surface, water, and personnel monitoring.
- Support cleaning validation, sanitization verification, equipment qualification, and contamination control initiatives.
- Conduct ATP and microbiological swabbing activities and evaluate results.
- Assist in assessing microbiological risks related to new equipment, facility modifications, and process changes.
Investigations & Compliance
- Lead or support investigations involving out-of-specification (OOS), atypical, or nonconforming laboratory results.
- Perform root cause analysis and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Participate in customer complaint investigations involving microbiological concerns.
- Author and revise SOPs, validation protocols, test methods, technical reports, and controlled quality documents.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Quality Assurance, Production, Sanitation, R&D, and Operations teams to support product quality and safety initiatives.
- Provide microbiological expertise during audits, inspections, and quality investigations.
- Assist with microbiology, sanitation, and GMP training for laboratory and production personnel.
- Support internal audits, supplier audits, and client or regulatory inspections.
The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.
Required Education
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or a related scientific discipline.
Required Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a GMP-regulated microbiology laboratory.
- Experience within dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, or a related regulated industry preferred.
- Hands-on experience performing microbiological testing and environmental monitoring activities.
- Experience supporting audits and inspections in a regulated environment.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of USP microbiological methods including USP <61>, <62>, <2021>, and <2022>.
- Knowledge of FDA regulations, including 21 CFR Part 111 and 21 CFR Part 117.
- Experience with method validation, investigations, CAPA, and technical report writing.
- Familiarity with LIMS and electronic laboratory systems are preferred.
- Working knowledge of cGMP, GLP, GDP, and laboratory safety requirements.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent documentation and technical writing skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate scientific information effectively to cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Requirements
In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A reasonable accommodation may be provided to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting throughout the workday.
- Frequently lift and move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to perform laboratory work requires close attention to detail and visual accuracy.
Work Environment
- Laboratory and manufacturing environment supporting dietary supplement production.
- Exposure to raw materials, including common allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy.
- Clean, organized, and safety-focused workplace.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $74,000 - $88,000 annually
Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, skills, and education.
Benefits Include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Participation
- Life Insurance
- Wellness Benefits
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Why Join Lief Labs?
At Lief Labs, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality and consumer safety while working alongside industry experts in a growing and innovative organization. If you're passionate about microbiology, quality excellence, and continuous improvement, we invite you to apply.
Apply today and become part of a team dedicated to delivering best-in-class dietary supplement products.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Lief is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact the Lief Human Resources department.
Lief will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
Lief uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility in the United States. E-Verify compares the information on your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to official government records.
