Corporate Microbiologist

Primary Location :

Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States of America At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture. We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient. Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America. By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet . If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us ! Solina USA, is a proud Solina Group company, specializing in the creation of customized seasonings and sauces. We take pride in our four strategically located production facilities across the United States which empower us to deliver high-quality, innovative flavor solutions efficiently to our customers. Our focus is on catering to Quick Service Restaurants, Fast casual, Casual dining, and food manufacturers, where our commitment lies in providing exceptional flavor solutions tailored to their unique needs. Solina USA has a proven national reputation of providing an exceptional customer experience by providing a high-quality product at a cost-competitive price point. We create dynamic relationships where our creativity can be visible through our customers culinary vision making "Food Matter."

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Corporate Microbiologist is a key technical leader responsible for ensuring the microbiological safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of the company's portfolio of dressings, sauces, and spice blends. This role serves as the company's Process Authority for acidified foods, providing expert review, validation, and oversight of thermal and acidification processes in accordance with FDA requirements. In addition, the Corporate Microbiologist partners closely with R D, Technical Services, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, and Quality teams to guide food safety decisions throughout the product lifecycle-from concept development to commercialization. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in food microbiology, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.

• Provide and apply technical knowledge (data, literature, etc.) and leadership to assure that the manufacturing processes and environments are microbiologically safe for the production of food products.
• Evaluate and provide guidance on proper design of food processing equipment to world-class RTE standards.
• Conduct and document data based risk assessments using technical, scientific, regulatory, and industry inputs. This include active review, interpretation, and communication of recommendations for food safety assessments or investigations.
• Interpret sensitive food safety related technical information and provide objective science based recommendations.
• Process Authority & Regulatory Compliance (Acidified Foods) o Serve as the company's designated Process Authority for acidified food products, ensuring compliance with appropriate FDA regulations.

o Review, validate, and approve acidified product formulations, pH targets, critical factors, and thermal/hold processes. o Create, verify, and maintain process filings and scheduled processes for the FDA. o Conduct or oversee validation studies, challenge studies, and hazard assessments to support product safety.

• Food Microbiology & Safety Expertise o Provide subject-matter expertise on microbiological hazards, shelf-life, and preservation strategies for new and existing products.

o Support the design and interpretation of microbiological testing plans, challenge studies, and environmental monitoring programs. o Evaluate ingredient and process changes for microbiological impact and risk. o Develop and maintain internal microbiological specifications and guidelines.

• Product Development Support o Partner with R D and Technical Services during formulation and scale-up to ensure food safety is built into all product designs. o Review new product formulations, processing conditions, and packaging selections for microbiological viability and regulatory compliance.
• Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement o Provide technical leadership for investigations of microbiological deviations, contamination events, and shelf-life failures. o Deliver internal training on microbiology, sanitation, process controls, and food safety topics to enhance organizational capability.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear, actionable manner to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain abreast of current and evolving food safety considerations and best practices.

Remain current on evolving food safety considerations and best practices, including US regulatory requirements related to acidified foods, thermal processing, and low-acid canned foods, advising the organization on implications.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in Food Microbiology, Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline (Master's with extensive industry experience may be considered).
• Certified Process Authority preferred; willingness and ability to become certified if not already.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in food manufacturing, food microbiology, process validation, or related roles.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA regulations governing acidified foods (21 CFR 114), food safety plans, and microbiological risk management.
• Demonstrated experience conducting validation studies, challenge studies, and shelf-life assessments.
• Ability to translate microbiological concepts into practical manufacturing and product development recommendations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Functional food safety expert in RTE manufacturing. In-depth knowledge of food safety, food microbiology, manufacturing processes, food regulations, sanitary design and quality management.
• Experience in dressings, sauces, condiments, emulsions, marinades, RTU/RTS sauces, or dry spice blends.
• Knowledge of thermal processing, pH control systems, and ingredient interactions affecting microbial stability.
• Experience supporting FDA process filings and working directly with regulatory agencies.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring programs and pathogen control strategies.
• Exceptional communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with all levels in the organization including Plant employees, Peers, and Senior Leaders
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 0-15

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WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions described here are representative of those experienced by an employee daily while performing this job's functions.

• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation.
• Ability to work in lab, pilot plant, and plant environments when required.
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment