QC Microbiology Lead - Dundalk (Associate Director)

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Dundalk; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Ireland is seeking a QC Microbiology Lead to manage the Microbiology Laboratory and ensure compliance with quality standards. The role involves leading a team, resolving investigations, and contributing to operational initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and strong leadership skills. This position offers opportunities for professional development and hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry with significant leadership roles.
• Experience in Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring and frontline supervisory roles is essential.
• Strong leadership, change management, and continuous improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Microbiology Laboratory, ensuring top-notch quality standards are met.
• Manage area expenditure while keeping within budget limits.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, EHS, and other business regulations.

Skills

Change Management

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Environmental Monitoring

GMP Compliance

Leadership

Lean Methodologies

Microbiology

People Management

Quality Control (QC)

Quality Standards

Education

Bachelor's degree or 3rd level qualification in Science/Quality

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Overview

Lead with impact in a state-of-the-art drug substance and drug product manufacturing facility as QC Microbiology Lead, shaping the future of pharmaceutical quality, mentoring a high-performing team, and contributing to site initiatives while driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Microbiology Laboratory, ensuring top-notch quality standards are met.
• Take charge of resolving Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring investigations efficiently.
• Continuously innovate test systems for optimal performance.
• Coordinate resources effectively to maintain both quality and efficiency.
• Develop and mentor your team while planning for future leadership succession.
• Manage area expenditure while keeping within budget limits.
• Have a voice in contributing to site management's operational and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, EHS, and other business regulations.

Qualifications

• Required
• You hold a degree or 3rd level qualification in Science/Quality.
• You bring at least 5 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry with significant leadership roles.
• Experience in Microbiology/Environmental Monitoring and frontline supervisory roles is essential.
• You possess knowledge and application of Lean methodologies.
• Your strong leadership, change management, and continuous improvement skills will shine here.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills are part of your expertise.
• Scientific qualification and relevant experience in pharmaceutical laboratory management.

• Preferred
• We value candidates with a Master\'s degree.
• A Project Management qualification, such as Project Management Professional, is a plus.
• Evidence of continuous professional development is highly regarded.

Required Skills: Change Management, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Environmental Monitoring, GMP Compliance, Leadership, Lean Methodologies, Microbiology, People Management, Quality Control (QC), Quality Standards

Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE. Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description: As a company, we are committed to keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world\'s most challenging healthcare needs.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. Please don\'t hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition Advisor assigned to this role should you need any support during our recruitment process.

We are committed to flexible working where possible, and this is why our Company has introduced a new hybrid working model for office-based colleagues around the world.

Please feel free to speak to us about what flexibility means to you during your application.

So, if you are ready to: Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, please apply today.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

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Job Posting End Date: 10/22/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R365321