Microbiology Lab Supervisor

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary:

The Microbiology Lab Supervisor provides frontline leadership and oversees the daily execution of laboratory operations. This hands-on role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely testing across Microbiology.

You will lead a team of laboratory technicians while driving workflow efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. This role is critical to delivering consistent results aligned with productivity, quality, customer service, and safety expectations.

Our Purpose & Values

Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.
Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.

Values:

• Put the customer first
• Commit to safety and quality
• Drive to deliver
• Act with integrity
• Support the team

Responsibilities:

Quality, Safety & Technical Excellence

• Ensure adherence to SOPs, ISO 17025 standards, GLP, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain data integrity, accurate testing, and proper documentation
• Coach team members on quality control and laboratory best practices
• Prepare the laboratory and staff for internal and external audits
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant lab environment
• Promote and enforce a strong culture of safety

Operations & Workflow Management

• Lead daily operational huddles to align on priorities, staffing, and workflow
• Manage sample tracking, data entry, and reporting through LIMS
• Allocate staffing based on testing volume and priorities
• Identify and drive process improvements to increase efficiency and throughput
• Maintain performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

People Leadership & Development

• Supervise and develop a team of laboratory technicians
• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and engaging team culture
• Conduct performance reviews and regular 1:1 coaching conversations
• Support employee growth through training and career development
• Manage staffing plans, scheduling, and workforce planning
• Drive retention through engagement and development initiatives

Customer Focus

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of results
• Escalate out-of-specification results appropriately
• Support resolution of client inquiries and concerns
• Maintain professionalism in all customer interactions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or the biological sciences required
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading an hourly workforce in an operations environment
• Experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing preferred (e.g., food, cosmetics, tobacco)
• Strong understanding of quality and safety standards
• Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Working knowledge of statistical concepts and data interpretation
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Exposure to laboratory conditions including chemicals, biological materials, and varying noise levels
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
• May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Schedule may include nights and weekends based on business needs

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.