Senior Microbiology Team Lead

Cpl Healthcare; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Microbiology Team Lead to oversee microbiological research and ensure regulatory compliance. This role involves managing a skilled team, optimizing assays, and implementing innovative methods. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MSc, possess substantial industry experience, and demonstrate strong leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of industry experience in biotech, pharma, or industrial microbiology.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in fostering high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks including GMP, ISO 13485, FDA, and MHRA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of microbiologists, providing mentorship and technical direction.
• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological methods to support product innovation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for microbiological testing.

Skills

Microbial identification

Molecular techniques

Biofilm research

Sterility assurance

Contamination control

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Senior Microbiology Team Lead

Location: Cambridge

Pay rate: £50 per hour

12 month contract

Cpl Life Sciences is working exclusively with a biotech company seeking a Senior Microbiology Team Lead to oversee and drive microbiological research, method development, and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves managing a team of microbiologists, optimising assays, and ensuring microbiological integrity across product development and manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

·Lead and manage a team of microbiologists, providing mentorship and technical direction.

·Optimise and oversee microbiological assays for sterility, bioburden, endotoxin, environmental monitoring, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

·Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological methods to support product innovation.

·Ensure regulatory compliance with GMP, ISO 13485, MHRA, and FDA requirements, supporting audits and inspections.

·Troubleshoot microbiological issues in manufacturing, product development, and quality control.

·Drive continuous improvement initiatives for microbiological testing, working cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams.

·Stay updated with industry advancements, regulatory changes, and emerging microbiological technologies, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Essential Skills & Experience:

·PhD or MSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field, with 6+ years of industry experience (biotech, pharma, or industrial microbiology).

·Strong expertise in microbial identification, molecular techniques (PCR, NGS), biofilm research, sterility assurance, and contamination control.

·Experience in method development, validation, and troubleshooting of microbiological assays.

·Demonstrated leadership experience, with a proven track record of mentoring and developing high-performing teams.

·Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (GMP, ISO 13485, FDA, MHRA) and experience supporting audits.

·Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

·Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting findings and influencing stakeholders.

If you are interested, please apply now or send your CV to [e-mail]