Create a job alert for instant notification of new roles that fit your search criteriaFunctional Expert Consultant I - Microbiologist
Contractor
Silver Spring, MD, USA
Posted on Sep 17, 2026
Job Description
The purpose of this task order is to identify candidates with demonstrated expertise in dietary supplement technical and
regulatory science spanning identity assessment, safety assessment, labeling review, and manufacturing evaluation. This
Statement of Work covers two functional areas:
• Functional Expert Consultant I – Dietary Supplement Identity & Safety Assessment: Three (3) contractors – two (2)
with a Ph.D. in toxicology or a related discipline, and one (1) with an M.S. or Ph.D. in Microbiology.
• Functional Expert Consultant I – Dietary Supplement Labeling & Manufacturing Reviewer: One (1) contractor with
an M.S. or Ph.D. in nutrition or a closely related discipline, possessing demonstrated expertise in dietary supplement
labeling and manufacturing evaluation.
All contractors shall work independently and demonstrate subject matter expertise in assessment methods, data
evaluation, regulatory science applications and dietary supplement regulatory requirements. At a minimum, contractors
shall possess demonstrated competencies or transferable skills in the areas relevant to their discipline, as outlined below.
Requirements
Microbiology/Identity:
• Traditional microbiological methods such as sampling and sample preparation, aerobic microbial counts, yeast/mold
counts, Salmonella/E. coli evaluation
• Advanced microbiological techniques such as sequencing/genetic methods, antimicrobial resistance evaluation, spore
(and toxin) detection
• Performing comprehensive searches (e.g., peer reviewed publications; marketing evaluation)
• Literature review and data quality evaluation
• Scientific communication and report preparation
Identity & Safety Assessment: Use scientific expertise and principles to complete and aid in identity and safety
assessments of dietary ingredients and supplements; review work will include assessment of pre-market and post-
market data on single ingredients, complex mixtures, and/or finished dietary supplement products. The candidate for
Toxicology will be expected to use risk assessment principles (including dose-response analysis and risk
characterization and shall apply different assessment approaches based on ingredient complexity and available data as
needed) and integrate data from multiple sources to reach a scientific conclusion. For Microbiology, the candidate will
be expected to use knowledge in microbiological characterization and testing to evaluate the identity of microbials
and assist in exposure assessments and risk assessments for microbiological organisms in and as dietary ingredients.
The candidate will not be asked to comment on or contribute to policy decisions related to dietary ingredients and
supplements.
• Labeling & Manufacturing Review: Evaluation of product labels, labeling claims, and manufacturing processes to
determine compliance with applicable regulations and policies
Benefits
- PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical, dental, and vision)
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)