Vacancy: 1
Department: Quality Assurance / Laboratory
Reports To: Quality Assurance & Safety Manager
Location: RUKO Establishments Ltd Milk Factory, Plot 108, Kaguta Road, Kiruhura District
Job Summary
The Microbiologist is responsible for conducting microbiological analysis and monitoring to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of milk and dairy products throughout the production process. The role supports quality assurance systems through testing of raw milk, in-process samples, finished products, water, and environmental swabs in line with HACCP, ISO 22000, UNBS, and internal food safety standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Microbiological Testing and Laboratory Operations
- Conduct routine and non-routine microbiological testing of raw milk, in-process products, finished products, water, and environmental samples.
- Perform tests including total plate count, coliforms, E. coli, yeast, moulds, and other relevant microbiological parameters.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and validated.
- Accurately record, analyze, and interpret laboratory results in accordance with approved SOPs.
- Communicate microbiological results promptly to Quality Assurance and Production teams.
2. Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Support implementation and maintenance of HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, and hygiene programs.
- Ensure compliance with Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and other regulatory requirements.
- Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and certification activities.
- Assist in investigations of non-conformities, contamination incidents, and customer complaints.
3. Process Monitoring and Quality Control
- Monitor microbiological Critical Control Points (CCPs) across production stages.
- Verify effectiveness of pasteurization, UHT, and CIP processes through microbiological verification.
- Analyze microbiological trends and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
- Support validation and verification of sanitation and hygiene procedures.
4. Hygiene, Sanitation, and Environmental Monitoring
- Conduct environmental monitoring programs, including surface and equipment swab testing.
- Verify effectiveness of sanitation, pest control, and housekeeping programs.
- Monitor hygiene practices and report deviations to the QA & Safety Manager.
- Support food safety and hygiene training initiatives.
5. Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, databases, and microbiological reports for traceability and audits.
- Prepare reports highlighting trends, deviations, and corrective actions.
- Ensure proper sample handling, labeling, storage, and disposal.
- Assist in updating SOPs, laboratory manuals, and quality documentation.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Technology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2–5 years’ experience in a food or dairy processing laboratory.
- Hands-on experience with microbiological testing methods and laboratory best practices.
- Familiarity with dairy processing operations and food safety systems.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of microbiological hazards in dairy processing.
- Sound knowledge of HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, and food safety regulations.
- High attention to detail, analytical ability, and accuracy.
- Ability to maintain laboratory discipline, cleanliness, and safety.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Compliance rate of microbiological test results with established standards.
- Reduction in microbiological non-conformities and contamination incidents.
- Timeliness and accuracy of laboratory testing and reporting.
- Effectiveness of sanitation and environmental monitoring programs.
- Audit findings related to microbiological control.
- Timely closure of corrective and preventive actions.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow the link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXpKJvhF72Yq-aJ1dl45t-RPjnf93ruqzJ1UdG4JjO3oGWcw/viewform?usp=publish-editor to complete the application process
RUKO Establishments Ltd Milk Factory is an equal opportunity employer- Shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
