Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 96,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to lead QC microbiology, ensuring GMP compliance and patient safety through rigorous testing.

The role emphasizes method development and validation, environmental monitoring, staff training, and audit support. Candidates should have 5+ years of pharma microbiology experience and strong aseptic techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical microbiology in GMP environments.
• Strong knowledge of microbial identification, sterility and endotoxin testing, and environmental monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of microbiological tests on materials and samples.
• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological testing methods per pharmacopoeial/regulatory requirements.
• Investigate OOS results and contamination excursions and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and ensure calibration schedules.
• Ensure GMP/ISO compliance across laboratory operations and audit readiness.
• Prepare and review laboratory records, reports, and method validation documents.
• Train and mentor junior microbiologists and technicians.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes in pharmaceutical microbiology.

Skills

Microbiology

GMP

Method validation

Environmental monitoring

Aseptic techniques

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology/Biotechnology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to join their Quality Control department in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is critical for ensuring the microbial safety and quality of pharmaceutical products through rigorous testing and analysis. The Senior Microbiologist will be responsible for leading microbiological testing, developing and validating methods, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in pharmaceutical microbiology and a strong understanding of aseptic techniques and microbial identification. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to patient safety and product integrity within a reputable organization. Join our client's dedicated team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and make a significant impact on pharmaceutical quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of microbiological tests on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring samples.
• Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological testing methods according to pharmacopoeial and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and microbial contamination excursions, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, ensuring its proper functioning and adherence to calibration schedules.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO, and other relevant regulatory standards in all laboratory operations.
• Prepare and review laboratory records, reports, and method validation documents.
• Train and mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians.
• Stay updated on current trends, advancements, and regulatory changes in pharmaceutical microbiology.
• Participate in internal and external audits as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, preferably within a GMP-regulated environment.
• Extensive knowledge of microbial identification techniques, sterility testing, endotoxin testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Proven experience in method validation and troubleshooting microbiological assays.
• Familiarity with relevant pharmacopoeias (e.g., USP, EP) and regulatory guidelines.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a laboratory setting in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement planning, and opportunities for continuous professional development.
• Employees benefit from working in a quality-focused environment with a commitment to scientific integrity.
• This role provides a stable and rewarding career path in pharmaceutical quality control in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .