Scientist

Job Description Summary:

We are looking for a Microbiologist trained to support fruit and vegetable ingredient testing and issues and routine troubleshooting.

What you’ll do for us

The key responsibilities of this role will be to perform complex microbiological analysis of fruit and vegetable ingredients; prepare detailed reports with recommendations and perform routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment.

The candidate will be:

• Proficient in applying established standards in microbiology;

• Able to train and instruct analysts/scientists, internal Company employees, and supply system technical individuals

• Problem solving of microbiology related issues in ingredients and processing of those ingredients

• Subject Matter Expert with knowledge base acquired in microbiology as applied to fruits and vegetables, beverages, beverage processing.

• Works independently; may be required to coach other professionals.

• Knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory information systems.

• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.

• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency.

• Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Quality Management, and laboratory information systems.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS:

• Ability to perform advanced, complex testing at a high level of throughput using the required methodology as required on fruit and vegetable ingredients and report results.
• Demonstrates subject matter expertise in microbiology to evaluate data/information to make decisions, provide solutions to problems, and educated opinions on fruit and vegetable ingredients and make recommendations.
• Build technical relationships internally and externally.
• Advanced Field Specialty in microbiology: Expert ability to integrate advanced techniques and to apply the most appropriate techniques to a broad range of problems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices;
• Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation, including instrumental theory, operation, maintenance and ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory methods; LIMS; Quality management systems.
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Train and instruct Laboratory analysts/scientists. Perform basic and complex testing of materials at a high level of throughput using the required microbiological, analytical and/ or sensorial methodology according to quality guidelines
• Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that
  ingredients/materials meet specifications. Record results & write technical reports.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating and repairing).
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency (e.g., prioritize sample analysis, assign tasks, preventative maintenance).
• Work to and ensure self and team compliance to quality management system requirements through training, documentations, quality records and audits.
• Perform data audit in order to ensure accuracy of data and analytical processes. This may include database queries, statistical process control or correlation study.
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment (sampling, monitoring, analytical procedures) in order to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.

Requirements & Qualifications:

This may include performing capability studies.

• Act as a subject matter expert for fruit and vegetable ingredients and juices.
• Provide technical support in ingredient investigations.
• Support Legal with matters that require technical input in area of expertise with recommendations that is clear and concise.
• Build technical relationships.
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language is required.
• Engage in daily contact with key laboratory personnel e.g. Lab manager, other team members, understand lab workload, priorities and other pertinent information.
• Communicate with relevant other stakeholders providing information on testing, results, other facts.
• Gather information from to help understand needs from lab operation. Clarify questions regarding testing, rejections, and unusual results, referencing analytical methodologies, Co. policy and local regulatory requirements.
• Provide training to internal and external (e.g. suppliers) stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non- technical audiences; to produce report of results and analysis.
• Be an expert with required testing within their dedicated area
• Evaluate information to determine compliance with specifications or standards
• Interpret results
• Work with Laboratory Manager to ensure proper use of resources
• Interpret of databases for specifications, methods, standards & advanced analytics
• Writes summaries and reports. Once the successful candidate has received appropriate training, they will be expected to perform at a high level.
• INNOVATION: Recommends new methods or instrumentation to address current and future needs of the laboratory.
• Applies Operational Excellence principles and processes to optimize lab operations.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters or PhD in Microbiology is preferable

What we can do for you

• Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products.
• Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others.
• Community of Belonging: We’re an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work.

The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Skills:

ISO 14000, ISO 18000, Microsoft Office, Six Sigma, Troubleshooting, Waterfall Model

Pay Range:

United States of America: 109,000 USD - 129,000 USD

Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Location(s):

United States of America:

City/Cities:

Apopka

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

June 5, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.