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Microbiology Lab Analyst

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Job ID 311408 Date posted 07/17/2025 Location : Mason City, Iowa Category  FOOD SAFETY QUALITY & REGULATORY Job Status  Salaried Full Time

Cargill’s size and scale allows us to make a positive impact in the world. Our purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.
Cargill is a family company providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products that are vital for living. We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they can make meals people love. And we connect families with daily essentials — from eggs to edible oils, salt to skincare, feed to alternative fuel. Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of lives each day. Join us and reach your higher purpose at Cargill. 
This position is in Cargill’s protein and salt business, where we provide wholesome, high-quality food products to a wide range of customers, from foodservice operators and grocery stores to manufacturers and exporters.

Job Purpose and Impact

The Micro Analyst will monitor laboratory processes and ensure the application and maintenance of the quality system and safety conditions. In this role, you will provide leadership in the areas of process control, measurement and analysis in the accredited laboratory and develop solutions for customers and partners. In addition, this position will perform testing in the laboratory as assigned and in accordance with ISO 17025 standards.

Key Accountabilities

  • Perform microbiological testing, data entry, reporting, laboratory sanitation and monitoring in accordance with laboratory procedures and test methods to ensure compliance with laboratory management systems and Cargill environmental, health, and safety policies.
  • Lead and support the laboratory quality management system through the review of data and records, updates to procedures and documents, implementation of continuous improvement and laboratory objectives, and participation in assessments and audits.
  • Develop, monitor, and execute maintenance, verification, and validation activities for laboratory processes, methods, and equipment within the quality programs, in accordance with laboratory requirements and under minimal supervision.
  • Lead investigations of nonconforming work, complaints, root cause analysis (RCAs), corrective actions, safety incidents, equipment issues, and other as identified.
  • Effectively communicate with customers, laboratory personnel, and management and handle clerical, administrative, technical or customer support issues, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Assist in the development and management of training programs for laboratory personnel.
  • Assist in ordering supplies and managing inventory, risk analysis, work order submission, billing, coordinating services, timecard approvals, HR/IT tickets, or as assigned by manager.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of two years of related work experience
  • Other minimum qualifications may apply

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with ISO:IEC 17025 requirements.
  • Experience in food microbiology in relation to laboratory activities.
  • Experience with preparation of media/reagents, laboratory equipment, and laboratory techniques.
  • Experience performing molecular microbiology techniques, including PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing for pathogen detection and identification.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with laboratory software and LIMS programs.
  • Experience in project management.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet

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