Associate Microbiologist

Abbott Laboratories; Singapore; On-site; SGD 56,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Singapore is seeking an Associate Microbiologist to oversee microbiological testing and lab activities in compliance with GMP, GLP, ISO standards. You will lead a team, review results for batch release, and support investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will apply microbiology knowledge, manage training and competency, and collaborate with Production and QA to ensure safety, data integrity, and timely release of products. This role is based in Tuas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science/Technology or related field with 1–3 years' experience.
• Diploma in a related field with minimum 3–5 years' experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory safety and GMP/cGMP/GLP compliance at all times.
• Lead and develop a team of analysts, track training and competency.
• Perform timely review of test results and support batch release meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Report writing

Education

BSc Microbiology/Biotech/食品科技

Diploma (related field) + 3–5 yrs

Tools

Aseptic technique

Media preparation

3M MDS / VIDAS

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people's health. We're always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

Our nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow, to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands, including Similac, PediaSure, Pedialyte, Ensure, and Glucerna, to help get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest life.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You will have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• A company recognised as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognised as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

As the Associate Microbiologist, ensure all microbiological testing and laboratory activities are performed safely, accurately, and efficiently in full compliance with Abbott, GMP, cGMP, GLP, GDP, EHS and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Oversee timely review and release of microbiological results for products, ingredients, environmental monitoring (EMP), and related testing. Proactively escalation abnormal trends, OOS, and OAL observations. Provide technical guidance, consultation, and on-site support to Production and other stakeholders during micro-related events. Work under general direction and independently seek assistance when required to ensure smooth operations. Drive career development, performance discussions, and growth planning for team members. Provide leadership, coaching, feedback, and developmental support for direct reports. Ask effective questions, listen actively, and gather feedback to understand laboratory needs and challenges faced by analysts. Lead, support, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory safety, efficiency, and workflow. Anticipate laboratory needs using insights from historical trends and operational demands.

What You'll Do

• Ensure laboratory safety, GMP, cGMP and GLP compliance at all times through routine oversight and corrective action.
• Manage and lead a team of analysts, ensuring adherence to site metrics such as BBS participation, SAV completion, timely training compliance, and idea generation/implementation.
• Perform timely test result review and ensure results meet specification prior to batch release.
• Participate in batch release meetings to align testing priorities, ensure timely completion of microbiological analyses, and support established schedules and turnaround time commitments.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of microbiological principles, laboratory technologies, methods, and professional practices.
• Maintain deep knowledge of work procedures within the Micro Lab and ensure consistent execution by the team.
• Lead and conduct laboratory investigations related to test anomalies, environmental monitoring issues, and other microbiology-related events.
• Coach and support analysts in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), troubleshooting, method understanding, and escalation of issues.
• Oversee test scheduling, resource coordination, and workload prioritization to support uninterrupted operations.
• Develop training plans, ensure adequate training delivery and assess technical competency of analysts and trainees.
• Act as a trainer for new hires and existing staff, ensuring competency through structured training, mentoring, and periodic evaluation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency, compliance, and data integrity.
• Participate in internal and external audits, and support incoming quality assurance activities where required.
• Comply with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), hygiene rules, and sanitation standards.
• Perform any other duties or project assignments as delegated by supervisor or laboratory management.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a microbiology laboratory environment or in a regulated manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience is preferred.
• Competent in microbiological techniques and laboratory instrumentation, including aseptic technique, media preparation, 3M MDS, VIDAS, and related systems.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to guide, motivate, and develop team members.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, time management, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology, cGMP, HACCP and microbiological testing is an advantage.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Food Science/ Food Technology or related discipline with 1 to 3 years' experience.
• Diploma in a related field with minimum 3 to 5 years of experience.

Location:

This position is based in Tuas, Singapore.

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

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