Associate Manager - Microbiology

Pfizer; Visakhapatnam; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer in Visakhapatnam, India seeks a qualified Quality Assurance professional to manage test method transfer, validation, and equipment qualification within GMP-compliant QC and stability labs.

You will support media prep, culture handling, and microbiology investigations, perform sample testing, and review data while collaborating with cross-functional teams and training junior staff.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology with 6–12 years of industry experience.
• Strong technical skills in method validation and testing.
• Experience with NPI developmental studies, MLT, BET, sterility, and assays.
• Knowledge of heat shock tests and culture management.
• Experience in microbiological sterility testing.
• Solid understanding of pharma manufacturing, packaging, and QA operations.
• Detail-oriented with robust knowledge of quality systems.
• Familiarity with analytical laboratory environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Create, review, and approve test method transfer and validation protocols, reports, and equipment qualification records.
• Maintain compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices in Quality Control and Stability laboratories.
• Support media preparation, Bio ball culture handling, and conduct microbiology-related investigations.
• Perform testing on various samples, manage Laboratory Information Management System builds, and review laboratory data.
• Serve on cross-functional teams, conduct safety inspections, participate in investigations, recommend corrective actions, and train junior colleagues.

Skills

Method validation

NPI development studies

MLT

BET

Sterility

Assay

Heat shock tests

Culture management

Sterility testing

Pharma manufacturing knowledge

Attention to detail

Analytical lab environment

Communication skills

Education

M.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

Every day, our unwavering commitment to quality ensures the delivery of safe and effective products to patients. Our flexible, innovative, and customer-oriented culture is rooted in science and risk-based compliance. Whether you are engaged in development, maintenance, compliance, or research analysis, your contributions have a direct impact on patient care. By being part of our team, you help uphold a quality culture that adapts and evolves to meet the needs of patients, ensuring that every product we deliver meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Use Your Power for Purpose

Every day, our unwavering commitment to quality ensures the delivery of safe and effective products to patients. Our flexible, innovative, and customer-oriented culture is rooted in science and risk-based compliance. Whether you are engaged in development, maintenance, compliance, or research analysis, your contributions have a direct impact on patient care. By being part of our team, you help uphold a quality culture that adapts and evolves to meet the needs of patients, ensuring that every product we deliver meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

What You Will Achieve

• Create, review, and approve test method transfer and validation protocols, reports, and equipment qualification records.


• Maintain compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices in Quality Control and Stability laboratories.


• Support media preparation, Bio ball culture handling, and conduct microbiology-related investigations.


• Perform testing on various samples, manage Laboratory Information Management System builds, and review laboratory data.


• Serve on cross-functional teams, conduct safety inspections, participate in investigations, recommend corrective actions, and train junior colleagues.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• M.Sc. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology with 6-12 years of industry experience


• Strong technical skills in method validation and testing


• NPI Developmental studies, MLT, BET, Sterility, Assay.


• Heat Shock tests and culture management.


• Experience in microbiological sterility testing


• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, and quality assurance operations


• Detail-oriented with robust knowledge of quality systems


• Familiarity with analytical laboratory environments


• Effective written and verbal communication, as well as interpersonal skills

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Relevant pharmaceutical experience


• Strong understanding of computer system hardware, infrastructure, and networks


• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)


• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation


• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines


• Strong problem-solving abilities


• Effective time management and organizational skills


• Ability to mentor and train junior colleagues


• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity. Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

Quality Assurance and Control