Role Title : Microbiologist
Department : Brewery Quality Operations
Reports To : Head Brewer
Location : Geist Brewing Co, Old Madras Road, Bengaluru
Employment Type : Full-Time
Role Summary
The Microbiologist plays a key role in maintaining the microbiological integrity and quality of all products brewed at the brewery. This position ensures that every batch of beer reflects the brewery’s craft standards while meeting regulatory and safety requirements. The Microbiologist will monitor yeast health, detect and prevent contamination, and support brewing innovation through scientific testing and process hygiene control.
Key Responsibilities
1. Microbiological Quality Assurance
- Perform routine microbiological testing on raw materials, wort, beer, yeast, and packaging samples to detect unwanted microorganisms.
- Identify and quantify yeast and bacterial populations using plating, microscopy, and other relevant methods.
- Conduct contamination screening at critical control points throughout the brewing and packaging processes.
2. Yeast Management & Fermentation Health
Monitor yeast vitality, viability, and flocculation behaviour to ensure optimal fermentation.Maintain yeast propagation and storage cultures in aseptic conditions.Provide recommendations to the brewing team on yeast reuse, pitching rates, and contamination control.3. Process Hygiene & Sanitation Verification
Conduct environmental and surface swab tests to verify cleanliness and sanitation efficiency.Validate CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) processes.Work closely with brewers to establish microbiological best practices across tanks, lines, and cellars.4. Product Quality & Stability
Support sensory and analytical teams by correlating microbiological results with flavor stability, haze formation, and shelf life .Investigate any deviations in taste, aroma, or appearance due to microbial factors.Participate in root cause analysis for any off-flavor or spoilage incidents.5. Documentation & Compliance
Maintain accurate and traceable laboratory records, logs, and digital reports.Prepare microbiological trend analyses for management review.Ensure compliance with FSSAI , ISO 22000 , and other relevant quality and safety standards.6. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Collaborate with brewers on new recipe trials by evaluating yeast performance and fermentation profiles.Research and recommend improvements to microbiological testing protocols and lab techniques.Train brewery staff on hygiene, sampling, and contamination prevention.Qualifications
Education :
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Brewing Science, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry .Experience :
2–6 years of experience in a brewery, beverage, or fermentation-based industry (craft brewing experience preferred).Hands-on experience with yeast management, microbial testing, and hygiene validation .Technical Knowledge :
Proficiency in aseptic techniques, plating, and microscopy.Understanding of brewing microbiotaKnowledge of beer chemistry, fermentation kinetics, and sensory impacts of microbial activity.Familiarity with systems , data recording, and quality documentation.Competencies & Attributes
Strong attention to detail and analytical thinkingPassion for craft beer and fermentation scienceExcellent teamwork and communication skillsCommitment to hygiene, precision, and consistencyProblem-solving and innovation-driven mindsetWork Environment
Primarily lab-based with frequent interaction on the brewery floor.Strict adherence to PPE and safety procedures.Work Schedule
Full-time, typically day shifts but may include early mornings or weekends during production peaks or audits.