Head of Microbiology

Quantum Pharmaceutical Ltd; Burnopfield; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer is seeking a Head of Microbiology to oversee microbiological operations in Burnopfield. The ideal candidate will have a degree in microbiology and at least 10 years of experience, specifically in regulated environments. Key responsibilities include leading a team, ensuring product safety, and managing compliance with regulatory standards. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on growth and professional advancement.

Benefits

Negotiable salary

Pension

Free food and drink at work

Strong Social Committee

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in microbiology with progressive responsibility.
• Experience in GxP environments.
• Knowledge of quality management systems like GMP and HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor the microbiology team.
• Oversee microbiological testing and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Develop contamination control strategies for sterile medicines.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Microbiological testing

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in microbiology

Tools

Microbiological testing equipment

Job description

Information

• Job Ref: JM1366497QuaHOM
• Location: Quantum House, Hobson Industrial Estate, Burnopfield
• Postcode: NE16 6EA
• Type of contract: Permanent
• Posted Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Closing Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
• Documents:

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Head of Microbiology

Join Us As Head of Microbiology

At the Target Healthcare Group, we are more than just a niche pharmaceutical developer and manufacturer. We are pioneers, innovators, and lifesavers. Quantum Pharmaceutical, a part of our Group, is the UK's leading manufacturer and supplier of unlicensed medicines and hard-to-source products. Our unwavering commitment to making a significant difference in the world of healthcare has made us one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK.

In line with our exciting growth within Aseptic Services, Quantum Pharmaceutical has recently expanded our dedicated aseptic manufacturing capacity. We are currently looking for a motivated Head of Microbiology to join our dynamic Aseptic Services team, where we manufacture life-saving cancer chemotherapy drugs.

As Head of Microbiology, you will oversee all microbiological operations within the organisation, focusing on ensuring the sterility, safety, and compliance of pharmaceutical products. This role will establish and maintain GMP-compliant microbiology laboratories, manage a team of specialists, and play a key role in the development and execution of microbiological testing, contamination control strategies, and regulatory compliance efforts for sterile medicines manufacturing.

This isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to contribute to a mission that truly matters, to develop professionally and personally, and to be part of a team that values growth and advancement.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, develop, and mentor the microbiology team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Define roles, set objectives, and conduct performance evaluations to build and maintain a high-performing team.
  
  

Microbiological Operations

• Oversee all microbiological testing, including environmental monitoring, microbial identification, ensuring compliance with GMP and regulatory standards.
• Develop, implement, and review microbiological testing protocols and procedures to ensure the integrity and sterility of all products.
• Ensure timely release of test results and maintain the Quality Management System
• To address deviations or out-of-specification results.
• Act as the system manager for LIMS ensuring data is collected and analysed in line with GMP / GLP principles and that the system remains in a validated state.
• Act as the project manager for future developments such as introduction of a Rapid Sterility test and Species level identification in-house.
  
  

Contamination Control Strategy

• Develop and lead the site's contamination control strategy for sterile medicines production.
• Oversee the validation of aseptic processes, employees, and cleaning/disinfection practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support root cause analyses, investigations, and implementation of corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs) related to microbiological issues.
  
  

Quality And Compliance

• Ensure all microbiological testing and operations comply with GMP regulations, company quality policies, and applicable pharmacopeial requirements.
• Host and support regulatory and client audits, addressing any microbiology-related findings with robust corrective actions.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, changes in regulatory guidance, and technological advancements in microbiology.
  
  

Technical Expertise And Support

• Provide microbiological expertise to support manufacturing processes, product development, validation studies, and risk assessments.
• Lead investigations related to microbiological contamination, establishing effective CAPAs to prevent recurrence.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) during regulatory inspections and customer audits.
  
  

What We Are Looking For

Experience & Knowledge:

• A minimum of a degree in microbiology.
• At least 10 years of experience in microbiology, with progressive responsibility and leadership experience.
• Experience working in a regulated industry, such as pharmaceuticals.
• Knowledge of and experience with quality management systems, such as GMP, HACCP, CATO, and ISO.
• Good understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to microbiology.
• Proficient in using microbiological testing equipment and software.
• In-depth knowledge of microbiological principles, techniques, and methodologies.
• Experience of leading and implementing efficiency changes, always seeking improvements and increased capacity.
• Proven competence in managing timely and cost-effective delivery of technical services.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Wide experience of leading people, creating clarity, coaching, and inspiring performance.
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and management skills to effectively lead and supervise a team of microbiologists.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret test results, troubleshoot issues, and recommend solutions.
• Effective communication skills to present findings, reports, and recommendations to various stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy in performing microbiological tests and analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet project timelines.
• Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with advancements in the field of microbiology.
• Ensure suitable arrangements are in place to deliver an appropriately governed, resilient and high-quality service, ensuring IT opportunities are maximised and risks are minimal.
• Recruit, motivate, manage and develop a team of staff to ensure specialty priorities are delivered effectively.
• Act as change manager to drive an environment to support a new working culture over all compounding sites which is flexible and both patient- and business-focused.
  
  

Benefits Of Working With Us

We believe in fostering growth, learning, and development within our organisation. As Head of Micrbiology, you'll have the opportunity to work as part of a high performing team, progress and develop your skills and career within a diverse and inclusive environment.

• Salary is negotiable depending on experience
• Pension
• Free food and drink at work
• Strong Social Committee
  
  

Please note: All applicants are subject to a DBS check along with two references.

Join us at Quantum and be a part of something bigger – apply today to start your career journey with us!

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