Team Lead - Microbiology

Convatec; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Convatec is seeking an experienced Team Lead – Microbiology to guide a 4–6 person microbiology team within our Development Laboratories in the UK.

You will drive method development, validation, and continuous improvement while ensuring GLP/GMP compliance and strong collaboration with R&D, Quality, and EHS teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a microbiology lab within a regulated industry.
• Experience leading, supervising, coaching, or mentoring technical teams.
• Strong microbiology knowledge to guide scientists and provide direction.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking, and curiosity.
• Experience with quality management systems and regulated labs.
• Strong written communication in SOPs, protocols, investigations, and reports.
• Ability to translate complex science for stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4–6 microbiology scientists and staff.
• Create an engaging, collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Oversee lab operations, resource planning, and testing schedules.
• Act as microbiology SME, providing technical guidance across R&D activities.
• Support design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product development and claims.
• Drive investigations, CAPAs, and root-cause analyses for out-of-spec results.
• Lead IQ/OQ/PQ, calibration programs, and software validation.
• Ensure GLP/GMP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Represent microbiology during audits and cross-functional initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic lab projects including LIMS expansion.

Skills

Team leadership

Microbiology

Quality systems

GMP/GLP knowledge

Problem solving

Cross-functional

Communication

LIMS

Education

Degree in Microbiology / related discipline

Tools

LIMS

Job description

About the role

We are looking for an experienced microbiologist and people leader to join our Development Laboratories team as a Team Lead – Microbiology.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented team of scientists while playing a key role in advancing microbiology research that supports product innovation across our business. You will combine technical expertise, leadership, and scientific curiosity to help develop new test methods, solve complex challenges, and contribute to the development of products that improve patients' lives.

Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders across R&D, Quality, EHS, and project teams, you'll have the opportunity to influence research strategies, support new product development, and contribute to major initiatives including laboratory digitalisation and future site expansion projects.

An exciting future in Manchester

Convatec has announced a major milestone in our R&D journey and commitment to our vision of pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. We have unveiled plans to relocate the majority of our UK-based research and development (R&D) activities from Deeside to Manchester from late 2027/early 2028, alongside a significant expansion of our facilities in Boston.

The new, planned Manchester facility has the potential to be a major R&D hub in our global network which will initially function as the company’s global testing laboratories, with cutting-edge analytical R&D capabilities including quality control and materials, regulatory functions, and health innovation, positioning Convatec at the forefront of medical technology development. Our new state-of-the-art facilities will also strengthen our collaboration with Manchester’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem, which includes leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions.

Your key duties and responsibilities

• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of 4-6 microbiology scientists and laboratory staff.
• Creating an engaging, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
• Overseeing laboratory operations, resource planning, and testing schedules to ensure projects are delivered effectively.
• Acting as a microbiology subject matter expert, providing technical guidance across research and development activities.
• Supporting the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of microbiological methods and models.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams to support product development, product claims, and scientific research.
• Driving problem-solving activities, laboratory investigations, CAPAs, and root cause analysis for atypical or out-of-specification results.
• Leading equipment qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ), calibration programs, and software validation support.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable quality standards, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), GMP principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Representing the microbiology function during audits and cross-functional initiatives.
• Contributing to strategic laboratory projects, including future LIMS implementation and laboratory expansion initiatives.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience working in a microbiology laboratory environment within a regulated industry.
• Experience leading, supervising, coaching, or mentoring technical teams.
• Strong microbiology knowledge with the ability to guide scientists and provide technical direction.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a natural curiosity and innovative mindset.
• Experience working within quality management systems and regulated laboratory environments.
• Strong written communication skills, including SOPs, protocols, investigations, and technical reports.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across multiple functions and translate complex scientific information into practical recommendations.
• Experience with method development and validation.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Experience supporting audits and regulatory inspections.

Qualifications/Education

• Degree qualified, in Microbiology, Biology or a similar related discipline.
• Knowledge of ISO 13485, ISO 9001, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, GMP, GDP, or related quality standards.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.

Travel Requirements

• This role may require minimal travel (1-5 days a year). Most trips will include overnight travel.

Working Conditions

• Onsite based, initially at Convatec in Deeside, UK. This role will later be based at Convatec in Manchester, UK once Convatec completes its transition to the new R&D Hub in late 2027/early 2028.
• Laboratory/Office Environment.

Special Factors

• This role requires working in a microbiology laboratory environment with exposure to biological agents (hazard groups 1 and 2) with exposure to chemicals and reagents.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent Convatec

A formal recruitment process is required for all our opportunities prior to any offer of employment. This will include an interview confirmed by an official Convatec email address.

If you receive a suspicious approach over social media, text message, email or phone call about recruitment at Convatec, do not disclose any personal information or pay any fees whatsoever. If you’re unsure, please contact us at [e-mail].

Equal opportunities

Convatec provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Convatec is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Convatec employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Convatec. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

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About Convatec

Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With over 10,000 colleagues, we provide products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention, treatment for hard to heal wounds, at-risk skin and ulcerated tissue to supporting debilitating conditions, improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec's revenues in 2025 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more please visit: http://www.convatecgroup.com.