Microbiological Technologist

1054 GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited; Barnard Castle; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline plc invites applications for a Microbiological Technologist on a secondment/FTC basis at our Barnard Castle site in the United Kingdom. You will join a collaborative team in a fully on-site lab environment, performing routine microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, ensuring GMP-compliant data quality.

The role emphasizes practical problem solving, attention to detail, and cross-functional teamwork with manufacturing, quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Practical experience in a regulated laboratory environment, including microbiological testing methods.
• Knowledge of GMP and GLP.
• Proficiency in using laboratory instruments such as incubators, autoclaves, microscopes, and microbiological media preparation.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring using approved methods.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure data accuracy.
• Record, analyse, and report microbiological results clearly and accurately using laboratory information systems.
• Support investigations related to deviations, out-of-specification results, and non-conformances to identify root causes.
• Assist in validation, transfer, and improvement of microbiological methods and procedures.

Skills

Data Integrity

Detail-Oriented

Digital Fluency

GxP Regulations

Lean Management

Problem Solving

Quality Assurance (QA)

Quality Control (QC)

Risk Awareness

Testing Operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Science, or a related scientific discipline

Job description

Microbiological Technologist - Secondment / FTC until the end of 2027. Closing Date: 5th November 2026 (COB)

Business Introduction

We manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients’ needs and drive our performance. Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people. Our supply chain is not just core to our operations; it’s vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply. We need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

Position Summary

Join us to play a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of medicines through microbiological testing. You will work closely with manufacturing, quality, and technical teams to support our mission of uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Our team values practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and a positive attitude. This role offers a clear path to develop your technical skills and take on increasing responsibilities while making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring using approved methods.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure data accuracy.
• Record, analyse, and report microbiological results clearly and accurately using laboratory information systems.
• Support investigations related to deviations, out-of-specification results, and non-conformances to identify root causes.
• Assist in validation, transfer, and improvement of microbiological methods and procedures.

Basic Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Practical experience in a regulated laboratory environment, including microbiological testing methods.
• Knowledge of good manufacturing practice (GMP) and good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Proficiency in using laboratory instruments, such as incubators, autoclaves, microscopes, and microbiological media preparation.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures precisely and work independently when needed.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate closely with diverse teams.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with sterility testing, bioburden, endotoxin testing, or environmental monitoring in pharmaceutical settings.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic data capture tools.
• Understanding of microbiological method validation and regulatory compliance standards.
• Participation in laboratory investigations and root cause analysis.
• Interest or experience in continuous improvement techniques such as Lean or Six Sigma.
• Ability to contribute actively to cross-department projects or audits.

Work arrangement

This role is fully on-site in the United Kingdom at our Barnard Castle site. You will work alongside a collaborative team within the laboratory environment five days per week.

Skills

• Data Integrity
• Detail-Oriented
• Digital Fluency
• GxP Regulations
• Lean Management
• Problem Solving
• Quality Assurance (QA)
• Quality Control (QC)
• Risk Awareness
• Testing Operations

Why GSK?

Uniting 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. 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. We have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Find out more on our career site.