Microbiology Laboratory Technician

About AbbottAbbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 113,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.Abbott serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, medical devices and nutritionals products. In Ireland, Abbott employs o6,000 people across ten sites. We have six manufacturing facilities located in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford and Sligo and a third-party manufacturing management operation in Sligo. Abbott has commercial, support operations and shared services in Dublin and Galway. We have been operating in Ireland since 1946.Abbott Ireland Nutrition Division Cootehill CavanAbbott Nutrition produces a range of infant formulae in all pack sizes under the brand name “Similac”. To complement the range of “Similac” infant formulae, the facility also manufactures a range of follow on formulae under the brand name of “Gain”. The essential ingredient is liquid skim milk and this is combined with carbohydrate, vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals. The product is blended, pasteurised, dried and packaged at the site and once packaged, is distributed to Europe, South East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Canada. Established in 1975, Abbott Nutrition in Ireland is the largest powder manufacturing facility for the production of infant formulae within the Abbott Corporation worldwide. Approximately 1,000 dairy farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland supply quality milk to the Cootehill facility which processes 500,000 litres per day. This secure supply together with Ireland’s reputation as a green, clean environment is of significant strategic importance to Abbott Nutrition.The role of Micro Laboratory Technician will involve the following:Primary FunctionThe Micro Laboratory Technician will carry out all testing associated with Batch Release & Microbiological Analysis and Environmental monitoringPrimary Function / Goals / Objectives• Responsible for swabbing of all areas both inside and outside the plant is a responsibility of this position in line with Department schedule• Ensure Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) is maintained at all times including swabbing, waste control and chemical disposal at all times. Aseptic techniques must be practiced at all times.• Responsible for carrying out the following:Product testing using Bacteriological Test MethodsSampling at process sample points and test product throughout the process to ensure no microbiology impact is identified.Complete out in-process testing.Assist with collection and testing of extra samples throughout the process during trials of new product innovation.• Complete daily checks on laboratory equipment including incubators and fridges as per appropriate up to date SOPs.• Assist in the validation process were required.• Documentation of all data and report as required.Education RequiredYou will have a Degree/Diploma or Cert in Food Science or equivalent Scientific discipline and experience working in a similar role would be an advantageKnowledge• Strong understanding of compliance and quality standards. • Very good understanding of the microbiological techniques & methods used.• Very good knowledge of the plant and all swabbing locations.• Very good interpersonal skills