Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor (Shift Work Required)

Abbott; Cootehill; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Ireland is seeking a proactive Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor to lead our team on rotating days and evenings at the Cootehill site. You will oversee microbiology testing, batch release activities, and environmental monitoring to support safe, compliant product quality.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Microbiology, 18 months to 2 years of people management experience, and hands-on experience in a regulated lab with GMP/GLP practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Microbiology or a related science.
• Minimum 18 months to 2 years of people management experience.
• Experience in a regulated microbiology laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Microbiology Technicians.
• Oversee testing for batch release, environmental monitoring, and materials.
• Ensure GMP/GLP compliance and maintain audit readiness.
• Drive process improvements in lab methods and efficiency.
• Champion safety and environmental health practices in the lab.

Skills

GMP Knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Regulatory Awareness

LIMS Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

LIMS

Job description

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. With a portfolio of life‑changing technologies that spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines, Abbott’s 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has maintained a strong presence in Ireland since 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in the country in 2026. The company supports the Irish healthcare sector with a broad portfolio spanning diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. Today, Abbott employs more than 6,200 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

Abbott Ireland Nutrition Division – Cootehill Cavan

The facility produces infant formulae under the brand names “Similac” and “Gain”. It processes 500,000 litres of milk per day sourced from approximately 1,000 dairy farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the finished products are distributed worldwide.

Please note any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.

Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor

We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and experienced Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor on our Rotating Days & Evening Shift to lead our microbiology team in supporting product quality, regulatory compliance, and batch release activities within a regulated manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a microbiology professional with strong leadership capabilities, a passion for quality and continuous improvement, and a commitment to developing high‑performing teams.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Microbiology Technicians.
• Manage laboratory resources, scheduling, and workload priorities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee microbiological testing for batch release, environmental monitoring, raw materials, and finished products.
• Review and approve laboratory documentation, data, and test results.
• Ensure testing activities are completed accurately and on time.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and maintain inspection readiness.
• Lead laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve laboratory SOPs, test methods, and documentation.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in laboratory processes, microbiological control programmes, and testing efficiency.
• Support equipment validation, test method transfers, and laboratory projects.
• Analyse microbiological trends and communicate key metrics to site leadership.

Health & Safety

• Champion a strong culture of safety, compliance, and good laboratory practices.
• Ensure adherence to all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements and laboratory procedures.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Microbiology is an advantage or a General Science discipline.
• Minimum of 18 months to 2 years of people management experience.
• Essential experience working in a microbiology laboratory within a regulated environment.

Key Skills

• Strong understanding of GMP, quality systems, and microbiological testing techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in the food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry.
• Knowledge of FDA requirements and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Hours of Work – Rotating Days/Evening Shift

• Days – Monday to Thursday 8 am to 4 pm; Friday 8 am to 2 pm.
• Evenings – Monday to Thursday 4 pm to midnight; Friday 2 pm to 8 pm.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by leading a critical quality function, developing a talented team, and contributing to the delivery of safe, high‑quality products in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.