Microbiologist Job Openings at McCormick & Company | Apply Now
If you are an experienced microbiologist looking to take your career to a global leadership level, McCormick & Company is offering an exceptional opportunity at their Hunt Valley headquarters. This Corporate Microbiologist role is designed for experts who want to influence global food safety systems, contribute to science-driven decision-making, and grow in one of the most respected life science jobs worldwide. With McCormickโs industry-leading reputation and a strong portfolio of McCormick & Company jobs, this position offers scientific impact, career growth, and the chance to shape microbiological integrity across a global value chain.
About McCormick
You may know McCormick as a global leader in herbs, spices, seasonings, and condiments, and they are only growing stronger. Their 14,000 employees worldwide bring passion, innovation, and flavor to everything they do. McCormick is now hiring a Corporate Microbiologist to join the Food Safety & Scientific Affairs Center of Excellence at their Global Headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Job Details:ย
Job Title: Corporate Microbiologist
Location: Hunt Valley, MD (Hybrid 50/50)
Position Overview
Reporting to the Senior Director, Global Product Integrity, the Corporate Microbiologist leads global microbiology governance and ensures microbiological integrity across McCormickโs value chain.
This role collaborates with R&D, the FSSA CoE, and regional teams to establish global microbiological food safety standards, conduct risk assessments, manage incident response, and continuously improve microbiological programs. Focus areas include pathogens, spoilage organisms, and biological hazards related to herbs, spices, flavors, and food products.
The role requires strong scientific credibility, leadership, and communication skills to engage internally and externally with customers, regulators, and industry bodies.
Key Responsibilities
Microbiology Program Leadership
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Lead global governance and provide strategic oversight of McCormickโs microbiology program.
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Conduct horizon scanning, pathogen and spoilage risk assessments, and testing method development.
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Manage incident response, root-cause analysis, and hygienic design oversight (with Sr. Manager, Hygienic Design).
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Drive continuous improvement aligned with regulations and industry standards.
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Integrate microbiological safety into innovation and product design (e.g., predictive microbiology, challenge studies).
Training & Knowledge Transfer
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Train stakeholders and ensure food safety and โquality by designโ principles are consistently applied.
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Serve as SME in customer engagements, trade associations, and scientific forums.
Systems & Process Ownership
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Own and improve microbiology-related systems within the Quality Management System (QMS).
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Benchmark and establish performance metrics for microbiological programs.
Secondary Responsibilities
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Travel up to 10% to support regional activities.
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Support learning, influence initiatives, and contribute to safe food-by-design culture.
Required Qualifications for Microbiologist Job
Education
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Ph.D. or M.S. in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or related field (global equivalent accepted)
Experience
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Deep knowledge of microbial control strategies, hygienic design, and food manufacturing environments
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Expertise in food microbiology and microbial growth/survival characteristics
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Strong risk assessment and communication skills
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Experience leading thermal processing validations
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Proven cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Operations
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Strong data analysis skills and problem-solving ability
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Project and personnel management experience
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Ability to lead change, influence cross-functional partners, and make timely decisions
Soft Skills
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Excellent communication and leadership skills
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Business acumen and continuous improvement mindset
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Innovative and proactive problem-solver
Preferred Qualifications For a Microbiologist Job
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Ph.D. in Microbiology
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Thermal Process Authority certification
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Expertise in hygienic design and pathogen control principles
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Strong influencing and collaboration abilities
Compensation
Base Salary: $100,870 โ $176,480
Final compensation depends on location, experience, education, and internal equity.
Eligible for McCormickโs Incentive Bonus Plan and full Total Rewards benefits package, including:
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Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance
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Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, caregiver support
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401(k) and profit-sharing programs
What the Company Offers
Alongside competitive compensation and a global brand reputation, McCormick provides:
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Competitive salary
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Career growth opportunities
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Flexibility and support for diverse life stages
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Comprehensive wellbeing programs (physical, mental, financial)
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Tuition assistance
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401(k), health insurance, PTO, and more
