Microbiologist I

summary / objective
A Microbiologist 1 is responsible for the testing of all raw materials, finished products, stability program batches and research / validation batches.  Additional tasks include testing related to critical systems in the plant such as the purified water system and controlled manufacturing rooms and equipment is also required.   Many task related responsibilities are also required and listed below.

essential functions

1. Adhere with SOPs and regulatory requirements such as GMPs, GDPs, GLPs and OSHA regulations
2. Perform microbiological testing related for the following microbiological test methods:
   • Microbial Enumeration and Specified Microorganism (MET / SMT) testing per USP <61>/<62>
   • Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing (AET) per USP <51>
   • Preservative Effectiveness Testing (PET) per USP <51>
   • Purified/Source Water testing per USP <1231>
   • Environmental Monitoring (EM)
   • Water Activity Determination per USP <1112>
   • Cleaning validation / verification microbiological recovery testing
   • Microbiological growth promotion and sterility verification testing
3. Adhere to controlled substance requirements
4. Receive, and release media, buffers, and microorganism cultures
5. Update and review microbiological trending
6. Review / record daily temperature readings
7. Sanitize the laboratory incubators and refrigerators
8. Review media, material, and supply inventories
9. Maintain and coordinate equipment / instrumentation maintenance, calibration, and repair work
10. Clean and sanitize the microbiology laboratory rooms surfaces and equipment
11. Perform any additional routine or non-routine microbiological tasks not listed in this document

supervisory responsibility

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

work environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and business casual attire with closed toe shoes and socks are required.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  This role requires Good Hygiene and hair / facial hair must be kept well-trimmed to prevent incidental contamination during testing.  Working with Biohazardous materials is also prominent.

physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls or to document testing.  The employee is also occasionally required to stand for long periods of time collecting or processing samples.  The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

position type/expected hours of work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday on 1st shift but earlier or later times or weekend work may be required when the production needs exist. 

travel

Travel is limited and may be primarily local during the business day but some out-of-area / overnight travel may be expected.

required education and experience

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, or related scientific field or equivalent experience

preferred education and experience

• Six (6) months to three (3) years of experience in a pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory preferred
• Knowledge of cGMP/GLP/GDP, USP / EU regulatory requirements preferred
• Experience performing microbiological testing / environmental monitoring using aseptic techniques preferred
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Qualified to work with controlled substances 
• Knowledge and experience performing serial dilutions preferred
• Experience Handling Biohazardous materials preferred

work authorization/security clearance (if applicable)

• Authorized to work in the United States
• DEA clearance (After Hire)