Research Microbiologist

Washing Systems, LLC (WSI), now part of the Kao family of companies, is the largest supplier of laundry chemicals to the commercial laundry industry in North America.  WSI provides high quality chemical products for both uniform and linen rental companies.  Reporting to the Director of Technical Services, the Research Microbiologist is responsible for providing microbial expertise, insight, and support to WSI customers, R&D, and Field Sales as it relates to commercial laundry, hand-care and cleaning products, and hygienically clean textiles.

Science-based. Performance-focused.  WSI is the leading provider of innovative products and services to the commercial laundry processing industry.  Driven by comprehensive technological innovations, WSI delivers powerful advancements in the cleaning, processing, and the disinfection of textiles.  Culturally progressive, WSI consistently maximizes plant efficiencies, while increasing productivity and reducing the environmental footprint for our manufacturing sites and customer sites.  While serving North America and Europe, WSI’s global headquarters reside in Ohio.  Additional offices are located across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  Please visit our website for more information: www.washingsystems.com.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES AND TASKS:

Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows:

1. Develop and execute test protocols in support of technical issues and project tasks.
2. Execute assigned quarterly project tasks in a timely manager.
3. Conduct microbiological testing on finished goods to ensure against microbiological contamination.
4. Conduct validation testing to ensure processes and/or products provide sanitization or disinfection.  Microorganisms may be hospital or food borne.
5. Conduct preservative efficacy testing on new formulations to ensure protection against microorganisms is maintained.
6. Provide technically sound written and verbal support to corporate office personnel, field personnel and customers on technical issues and evaluations performed.
7. Oversee and support R&D with all ISO 9001 related quality assurance functions and requirements.
8. Develop and maintain contact with key suppliers/vendors to ensure access to newest technologies.
9. Serve as a technical leader in the lab regarding microbiological needs and assist in the professional and technical development of less experienced R & D personnel.
10. Develop and assign project objectives which are in accordance with the company’s goals.  Report project status and progress to management.
11. Give input to the Director of Technical Services on budget and projects.
12. Develop and present technical seminars to internal (WSI) and external (customers, industry) audiences.
13. Plan and prioritize tasks to ensure optimal utilization of time.  Assess, analyze, and report on functionality of tasks to assure the highest level of productivity. 
14. Maintain complete and up to date technical information in the Laboratory notebook.
15. Operate within specified safety guidelines.  This includes wearing safety glasses at all times, following safe operating procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or related sciences is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in microbiology is required.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in teamwork and effective collaboration.
• Ability to manage and deliver on multiple objectives under aggressive timelines, balance resources and priorities to achieve objectives, and contribute solutions to challenging research and translational development questions.
• Good problem solving and decision-making skills. Displays a sense of urgency and initiative with creativity and flexibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands to handle, or feel, and talk or hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Corporate working environment.
• Noise level in the Corporate working environment is usually moderate.
• Laboratory working environment.
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Laboratory.
• At least 10% of time will be traveling to and from customer locations.