Lead Microbiologist & Quality Assurance

Company Description

N&E Innovations Pte Ltd is a pioneering BioTech company dedicated to developing sustainable, all-natural solutions that are safe for both the environment and human health. Our patented ViKANG technology, a Green Label Certified antimicrobial additive, provides powerful, long-lasting protection without relying on toxic chemicals or heavy metals. This groundbreaking technology has versatile applications, including food packaging plastics engineered to be 99.9% antibacterial, reducing food spoilage and cutting CO2 emissions. Our mission is to create innovative breakthroughs across Food, Medical, Hygiene, and Plastics sectors, positively impacting global health and sustainability.

NEI-HR-JD-2024-V1

N&E INNOVATIONS PTE LTD.

9 CHIN BEE DRIVE #03-01 INNOVATE 360 SINGAPORE 619860

Email: contact@vi-kang.com Website: https://vi-kang.com

Position: Lead Microbiologist & Quality Assurance

Location: West

Salary range: S$3,500.00 – 5,000.00

Industry Sector: Biotechnology, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, Food Safety

Job Description:

Do you want to join a team where the mission is meaningful, the challenges are complex, and you can directly see the results of your hard work? At N&E Innovations, we are tirelessly dedicated to building a sustainable planet for our future generations, so every person can be their best. Inspired and driven by our purpose, we are the only company focused on developing natural antimicrobials from food waste. We have a patented compound Vikang99 with CAS # 2703796-11-4.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented microbiologist with quality assurance expertise. In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all microbiological testing protocols, food shelf life studies, ensuring compliance with international standards, and maintaining the highest quality standards for our antimicrobial products. You will collaborate within the company as an important member of a highly motivated and result-oriented team. Join us on our journey of discovery!

Objectives of this Role:

Technical expertise

• Design and execute microbial cleanliness (bioburden) testing in accordance with BS EN 14683:2019 and ISO 11737-1:2018
• • Conduct antimicrobial efficacy testing and validation studies for product development
• • Design and execute comprehensive shelf life studies for food products using accelerated and real-time testing protocols
• • Conduct microbiological spoilage testing including total viable count, yeast and mold enumeration, and pathogen detection
• • Perform food safety testing for Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and other foodborne pathogens
• • Monitor pH, water activity (aw), moisture content, and other critical parameters affecting shelf life
• • Evaluate sensory characteristics (appearance, odor, texture, taste) throughout product shelf life
• • Conduct challenge testing to validate antimicrobial preservation systems in food products
• • Implement HACCP principles and food safety management systems
• • Perform nutritional stability testing and vitamin degradation studies
• • Execute packaging integrity testing and migration studies for food contact materials
• • Conduct temperature abuse studies and cold chain validation testing
• • Develop shelf life models and statistical analysis of deterioration kinetics
• • Manage relationships with accredited testing laboratories (Intertek, SGS, etc.)
• • Develop and validate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all microbiological and food testing• Perform environmental monitoring and contamination control assessments
• • Conduct sterility testing and bioburden determination for product releases
• • Analyze and interpret microbiological data, prepare comprehensive test reports
• • Ensure proper testing conditions (21°C, 85% RH protocols) as per company standards
• • Implement quality assurance standards and address related quality or safety issues
• • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (AVA/SFA Singapore, FDA, EU regulations)
• • Maintain and update Quality Manual systems and documentation control procedures
• • Support regulatory submissions and audit preparations

Drives business growth

• Responsible for managing product testing from concept to successful launch within agreed time frames. Development includes attention to aspects such as technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, testing accuracy, and commercial viability
• • Understand state of the business and leverage knowledge to drive down project time/costs. Anticipates obstacles affecting other business functions

Leadership

• Demonstrates personal capabilities as a Lead Scientist, Planner, Coordinator, Communicator, and Technical Expert in executing projects
• • Lead and mentor junior laboratory staff and research assistants
• • Coordinate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs

Innovation / Creativity

• Possesses curious and open mindset with thirst for learning and new knowledge, provide innovative, timely, and cost-effective improvements, concepts, developments, or scientific insight and understanding with respect to new or existing products or processes
• • Stay current with emerging microbiological testing methods and food safety technologies
• • Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications
• Requirements:
• Master’s or PhD in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or relevant discipline from a reputable institution
• • Minimum 3-5 years of R&D experience ideally within an industrial/pharmaceutical/food industry environment
• • Hands-on experience in microbiological testing methods, antimicrobial testing, and bioburden analysis
• • Experience in food microbiology, food safety testing, and shelf life study methodologies
• • Strong knowledge of international testing standards (BS EN 14683, ISO 11737-1, ISO 14155)
• • Knowledge of food preservation technologies and antimicrobial systems in food applications
• • Familiarity with food packaging materials and their impact on product stability
• • Understanding of HACCP, ISO 22000, and other food safety management systems
• • Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 13485)
• • Proficient in microbial identification techniques and statistical analysis of microbiological data
• • Experience with sensory evaluation techniques and accelerated shelf life testing protocols
• • Experience working with accredited third-party testing laboratories
• • Knowledge of nutritional labeling requirements and stability claims
• • Skilled in drafting technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentation
• • Knowledge of regulatory requirements for medical devices, antimicrobial products, and food safety
• • Demonstrated experience in quality assurance and laboratory management
• • Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• • Patience and determination in method development and validation
• • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• • Experience with contamination control and environmental monitoring programs
• • High level of confidentiality
• • Singaporean/Singapore PR/Work Permit
• • Available immediately or within short notice
• N&E Innovations Pte. Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 202009883G | JD - Lead Microbiologist & Quality Assurance | Page 1 of 1