Microbiology Leader - SME, Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET)

Walker Cole International; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing pharmaceutical company in North West England is seeking a Microbiology Leader specialized in preservative efficacy testing to lead a QC Microbiology team. This pivotal role will enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency while supporting site operations in a fast-paced GMP environment. The ideal candidate will possess a BSc in Microbiology, hands-on QC microbiology experience, and strong leadership skills. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to make an impact in a dynamic pharmaceutical setting.

Qualifications

• BSc in Microbiology or a related discipline is mandatory.
• Must possess hands-on QC microbiology experience with various sample types.
• Experience leading or mentoring laboratory teams is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring and microbiological techniques: TVC, yeast & mould counts, TAMC, PET.
• Experience leading or mentoring laboratory teams is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills in a GMP environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the QC Microbiology team.
• Oversee and approve microbiological testing and data.
• Lead investigations into deviations and atypical findings.
• Provide PET expertise to internal teams and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Promote a strong safety culture and maintain safe working practices.

Skills

Hands-on QC microbiology experience

Specialist experience in preservative efficacy testing (PET)

Strong leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Communication

Education

BSc in Microbiology or a related discipline

Tools

Knowledge of environmental monitoring techniques

Yeast & mould counts

TAMC

PET

Job description

Microbiology Leader - SME, Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET)

Connecting people and opportunities across Innovation & Technical Operations

We are looking for an experienced Microbiologist with specialist expertise in preservative efficacy testing (PET) to lead a QC Microbiology team for a growing pharmaceutical company in North West England. The role will be key in driving quality, compliance, and efficiency, while supporting site operations and pipeline growth in a fast‑paced GMP environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the QC Microbiology team, managing workloads, training, and performance.
• Oversee and approve microbiological testing and data, ensuring GMP, pharmacopeial, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead investigations into deviations, OOS results, and atypical findings.
• Provide PET expertise to internal teams and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Promote a strong safety culture and maintain safe working practices.

Requirements

• BSc in Microbiology or a related discipline.
• Hands‑on QC microbiology experience, including raw materials, in‑process, non‑sterile finished products, and water samples.
• Specialist experience in preservative efficacy testing (PET).
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring and key microbiological techniques: TVC, yeast & mould counts, TAMC, PET.
• Experience leading or mentoring laboratory teams is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and communication skills in a GMP environment.

If you’d like to find out more, please contact me or email [e-mail].

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Project Management

Industries

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing