QC Micro Associate Scientist - Permanent & FTC

WuXi Biologics; Leinster; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WuXi Biologics in Leinster, Ireland, seeks a QC Microbiology Associate Scientist to contribute to startup and ongoing QC microbiology activities. You will participate in lab setup, qualification, and routine testing, with focus on cGMP compliance and regulatory readiness. The role requires strong analytical skills, documentation, and teamwork within a fast-paced biopharma setting.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. or MS in Microbiology, plus experience in GMP environments and regulatory awareness.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Quality Control/GMP environment is required.
• Experience with microbial testing and aseptic techniques.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations (FDA/EMA/ICH) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist startup and routine operations of a QC microbiology laboratory, ensuring safe practices.
• Support QC lab setup including equipment installation and qualification.
• Identify microbial organisms and support qualification and validation activities.
• Develop and maintain quality systems to ensure cGMP compliance.
• Assist commissioning/qualification of utility systems and sampling strategies.
• Prepare training materials and support microbial method validation and routine testing.

Skills

Quality Control

GMP experience

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Documentation skills

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology

MS in Microbiology or related field

Honors science degree

Job description

Job description:

QC Microbiology Associate Scientist

We have three distinct contract types available, including two parental leave covers:

• Role 1: Full-Time, Permanent
• Role 2: Fixed-Term Contract (12 Months – Maternity Cover)
• Role 3: Fixed-Term Contract (10 Months – Maternity Cover)

AsQC Microbiology Associate Scientist, you will be responsible for the scientist will be part various technical projects/activities in the QC Microbiology Group of WuXi Biologics. The site is focused on startup activities involving commissioning and qualification work with aggressive timelines and potential candidates are required to be flexible in this regard. This also means that potential candidates may be required to carry out additional job functions that are not described in this job description but will be associated with the role.

Department Description

As QC Microbiology Associate Scientist, you’ll be joining an organization where people of all backgrounds and experiences are respected, and where we work together focused on changing lives. In this role you’ll be reporting to the Senior QC Microbiology Scientist.

Your Responsibilities

• In this role, you will Ensure the tasks associated with the startup and routine operations of a QC microbiology laboratory are carried out in a safe manner.

• Support QC Microbiology lab set-up, including laboratory design and construction queries, equipment installation and qualification using principles of Operational Excellence and Lean Labs.

• Microbial organism identification, supporting facility qualification, cleaning validation, process validation, etc.

• Develop and maintain quality systems within the QC Microbiology Laboratory to ensure compliance with cGLP.
• Support of the commissioning/qualification activities of utility systems including but not limited to Water systems, Clean Steam and process gases, including development of sampling strategies.
• Aiding in the identification and development of Contract Test laboratories and strategies.
• Development of training material for the QC Microbiology Laboratory personnel.
• Support microbial method validation and development of routine testing strategies.

Sustaining operations:

• Perform QC microbiology routine testing, environmental monitoring, water monitoring, and testing including, sterility, endotoxin, bioburden, Biological Indicators, Growth promotion and routine microbial identification strategies.
• Routine monitoring of laboratory KPI’s, stock control of laboratory consumables and reagents and support for future expansion/upgrade projects.

• Support QC Senior scientist in OOS, OOL, microbial contamination, adverse trends, utility and environmental excursion investigations, change controls, and CAPAs tasks.
• Author technical documents including methods protocols, qualification/ validation protocols and reports, SOPs, etc.
• Support Risk Assessments for projects and business innovation initiatives from a microbiological perspective.
• Defines specific aseptic techniques to be performed for crucial process steps and provides meaningful input to processing operations as site develops.
• Keep abreast of current corporate and regulatory trends and requirements pertaining to laboratory operations and aseptic manufacturing.
• Ability to handle regulatory inspections from FDA, EMA, etc. and cGMP audits from clients, as well as internal audits.
• Participate in relevant internal and external QC related audits.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently as required
• Perform job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and WuXi Biologics Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Thorough understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices
• Perform all duties in accordance with GMP requirements, SOPs, and controlled documents
• Flexibility to take on additional tasks and responsibilities at the discretion of the QC Director
• Will act as a role model for the QC function and also the wider organisation in adherence to the WuXi corporate core values and PROUD culture.

Your Profile:

The ideal candidate for this position, will have the following:

Education

• Ph.D. with/without post doc experience or MS in Microbiology or related field is a plus.
• A minimum of an honors science degree in a related field is essential.

Knowledge/Experience

Required:

• Previous experience in a Quality Control/GMP environment is required.

Preferred:

• Training/Coaching of personnel.
• Knowledge of microbial testing and microbial control in support of biopharmaceutical manufacturing

• Possesses knowledge of routine and non-routine testing and sampling methods, techniques and related equipment.

• Familiarity with Pharmacopeia testing methods and requirements.

• Knowledgeable of FDA/EMEA regulatory requirements applicable to biologics and/or pharmaceuticals; ICH and GMP guidelines is a plus

Personal skills

Required:

• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and critical thinking skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced working environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.