Associate Microbiologist

GlaxoSmithKline; Ware; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) seeks an Associate Microbiologist to join the Ware R&D site, on-site only. You will perform environmental and water monitoring in the non-sterile pilot plant, run routine microbiological testing, and help investigations of atypical results.

You will collaborate with scientists, quality and manufacturing colleagues to ensure data integrity and compliance. You will gain experience in microbial identifications, growth promotion testing, and equipment maintenance while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences subject and relevant education/experience.
• Practical laboratory experience with basic microbiological methods (plate counts, microbial limits, aseptic technique).
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring and water testing in a regulated setting.
• Good written and verbal communication for clear recording and reporting results.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to safe lab practice and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Carry out environmental monitoring and water system sampling/testing for the non-sterile pilot plant.
• Perform microbial identifications using Gram stain, biochemical tests, MALDI-TOF typing.
• Conduct growth promotion testing of culture media and manage culture collections.
• Record results accurately and raise out-of-specification results to senior staff promptly.
• Support investigations into atypical results and contribute to corrective actions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, stock control and ensure safe working practices.

Skills

Microbiology

Environmental monitoring

Laboratory techniques

Data recording

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science or related life sciences

Tools

LIMS

Job description

GSK are recruiting for an Associate Microbiologist to join at the Ware R&D site. This role is on-site position due to laboratory requirements so hybrid or remote working is not available. As an Associate Microbiologist you will join a motivated microbiology team to support product development and quality activities. You will perform environmental and water monitoring in a non-sterile pilot plan, routine microbiological testing and help investigate atypical results. You will work closely with scientists, quality and manufacturing colleagues. We value curiosity, careful laboratory practice, and a readiness to learn. This role offers clear progression, meaningful impact on patient outcomes, and alignment with our mission of uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more: Our approach to R&D

• Carry out environmental monitoring and water system sampling and testing for the non-sterile pilot plant
• Perform microbial identifications using a variety of techniques including, Gram stain, biochemical and MALDI-TOF bio typing
• Perform growth promotion testing of culture media and maintain culture collections and laboratory stock
• Record results accurately, maintain data integrity, and raise out-of-specification results to senior staff promptly.
• Support investigations into atypical or out-of-specification results and contribute to corrective actions
• Maintain laboratory equipment, stock control and safe working practices in line with quality and safety procedures.
• May be required to support routine microbiological tests e.g. bioburden, endotoxin for in-process samples, finished products and stability studies following established methods.

Why You?

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science or a related life sciences subject, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Practical laboratory experience with basic microbiological methods such as plate counts, microbial limit tests, and aseptic technique.
• Basic experience or familiarity with environmental monitoring and water testing.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for clear recording and reporting of results.
• Ability to plan and prioritise your workload to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to safe lab practice and accurate data recording to meet data integrity standards.

Preferred Requirements

• Previous experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (Good Manufacturing Practice or Good Laboratory Practice).
• Experience with microbial identification techniques, including biochemical methods or MALDI-TOF.
• Knowledge of endotoxin testing and water system monitoring for pharmaceutical use.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory systems or LIMS.
• Experience supporting investigations and validation activities.
• Interest in learning new technologies and contributing to continuous improvement.

Skills

• Bacteriology
• Drug Discovery Process
• Laboratory Operations
• Laboratory Quality Control
• Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Project Management

Why GSK?

Unifying science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale. People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles.

Adjustments

If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at [e-mail] where you can also request a call. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels.