Senior Microbiologist

Alcon Laboratories Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon is seeking a Senior Associate (Senior Microbiologist) to lead advanced projects in the Quality Control Lab, focused on environmental monitoring, testing, and aseptic practices.

The role requires 5–8 years of GMP microbiology experience, strong contamination control knowledge, and the ability to drive investigations, CAPAs, and regulatory compliance across cross-functional teams. You will mentor staff and support site readiness for inspections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or Biotechnology.
• Minimum 5-8 years of microbiology experience in GMP-regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic processing and contamination control.
• Experience with Environmental Monitoring and cleanroom microbiology.
• Proven experience conducting microbiological investigations and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of FDA, EU GMP Annex 1, PIC/S and Data Integrity requirements.
• Extensive experience in microbiological control of Grade A/Grade B aseptic areas.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the microbiology SME for aseptic manufacturing, contamination control, and microbiological QA.
• Manage environmental monitoring and microbiological testing programs for cleanrooms.
• Support validation, qualification, and routine microbiological assessments.
• Drive decisions on microbiological investigations, risk assessments, and CAPAs.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering and Validation to meet site objectives.
• Lead investigations of microbiological excursions and implement CAPAs.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, GxP, regulatory expectations and site procedures.
• Review and approve microbiology results, procedures, protocols, and reports.
• Provide microbiological training and mentor junior staff.
• Support qualification of analysts and aseptic operators.
• Ensure data integrity and GMP compliance in the microbiology lab.
• Support Contamination Control Strategy and risk assessments for processes.
• Drive contamination investigations and root cause analyses.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve contamination prevention.
• Provide microbiological expertise to site personnel.

Skills

Aseptic processing

Environmental monitoring

Microbiology expertise

Root cause analysis

CAPA investigations

Regulatory knowledge

Contamination control

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology / Biological Sciences / Biotechnology

Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon.

As the Senior Associate (Senior Microbiologist) under QC Labs, you will be responsible for primarily responsible for leading advanced projects in the Quality Control Lab, focusing on environmental monitoring, testing, and maintaining aseptic practices. You will support product validation and compliance, requiring advanced technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

In this role, a typical day will include:

Serve as the microbiology subject matter expert for aseptic manufacturing, contamination control, and microbiological quality assurance.

Manage environmental monitoring and microbiological testing programs to ensure ongoing control of cleanroom environments and manufacturing processes.

Support validation, qualification, and routine microbiological assessments to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.

Drive technical decision-making related to microbiological investigations, risk assessments, and process improvements.

Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Validation teams to support site objectives and operational excellence.

Lead investigation of microbiological excursions, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).

Ensure compliance with cGMP, GxP, regulatory expectations, and site procedures while maintaining accurate and complete documentation.

Foster a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and inspection readiness across the microbiology function and aseptic operations

Ensure microbiology laboratory compliance with data integrity and GMP requirements.

Review and approve microbiological test results in accordance with GMP requirements.

Review and approve laboratory procedures, protocols, and reports.

Support the site's Contamination Control Strategy (CCS).

Perform risk assessments related to microbiological control of manufacturing processes.

Drive contamination investigations and identify root causes and corrective actions.

Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, and Quality teams to improve contamination prevention practices

Provide microbiological expertise and training to site personnel.

Mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory staff.

Support qualification of analysts and aseptic operators.

Ensure compliance with FDA, EU GMP Annex 1, PIC/S, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

Required to support routine and urgent QC Microbiology laboratory activities through a rotating two-shift work arrangement in response to operational and business needs.

What You'll Bring to Alcon

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or Biotechnology

Minimum 5-8 years of microbiology experience within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biologics, medical device, or sterile manufacturing environment.

Strong knowledge of aseptic processing and contamination control principles.

Experience with Environmental Monitoring and cleanroom microbiology.

Proven experience conducting microbiological investigations and root cause analysis.

Knowledge of FDA, EU GMP Annex 1, PIC/S, and Data Integrity requirements.

Extensive experience in microbiological control of Grade A and critical Grade B aseptic processing areas, with a strong understanding of cleanroom behavior, environmental monitoring, and contamination risk management.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

At Alcon, we are committed to fostering a work environment where our employees can grow, innovate, and excel. Here’s how you can thrive in your role with us:

Career Growth & Development – Gain access to continuous learning opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement programs to support your professional journey.

Collaborative Culture – Work alongside passionate and diverse teams in a dynamic and inclusive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.

Impactful Work – Be part of a purpose-driven company that is improving lives by advancing eye care solutions worldwide.

Recognition & Rewards – Your contributions are valued and recognized through competitive compensation, performance incentives and career progression opportunities.

Global Exposure – Join a world-class organization with opportunities to collaborate across international teams and gain global industry insights.

Work-Life Balance & Well-Being – Enjoy employee wellness programs, flexible work arrangements and initiatives that support your well-being.

At Alcon, we empower our people to make a difference while growing their careers in an exciting and supportive environment. Join us and see brilliance in every opportunity!

Alcon's leadership is grounded in cutting-edge innovation and breakthrough technology, transforming the way we treat eye diseases and conditions. We offer a broad spectrum of eye care products and are organized into three businesses: Surgical, Pharmaceutical and Vision Care.

Surgical – Alcon offers the industry’s most complete line of ophthalmic surgical products, enabling surgeons to achieve the best results for their patients. Our surgical portfolio includes technologies and devices for cataract, retinal, glaucoma and refractive surgery, as well as advanced technology intraocular lenses (ATIOLs) to treat cataracts and refractive errors, like presbyopia and astigmatism. We also provide advanced viscoelastics, surgical solutions, surgical packs, and other disposable products for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.

Pharmaceutical – The Alcon pharmaceutical portfolio includes treatment options for elevated intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma, anti-inflammatories and anti-infectives to aid in the treatment of bacterial infections and bacterial conjunctivitis, ophthalmic solutions to treat inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery, as well as eye inflammation and infection following cataract surgery. The product portfolio also includes vitreomacular adhesion, eye and nasal allergy treatments, and over-the-counter dry eye relief and ocular vitamins.

Vision Care – Through the integration of CIBA VISION , Alcon is now one of the largest manufacturers of contact lenses and lens care products. Our Vision Care portfolio offers daily disposable, monthly replacement and color-enhancing contact lenses for comfortable and convenient vision correction options. We also have a complete line of contact lens care products. These include multi-purpose and hydrogen-peroxide based solutions to clean, rinse and disinfect contact lenses; rewetting drops to provide added comfort throughout the day; and daily protein remover that removes protein deposits from lenses.

Our Mission

Alcon has one mission: To provide innovative products that enhance quality of life by helping people see better. The merger with Novartis in 2011 helped us do this by uniting the strengths of Alcon, CIBA VISION and Novartis Ophthalmics into one Alcon eye care business, which is now the second-largest division of Novartis. This enables us to serve our customers through the full life cycle of patient needs across eye diseases, vision conditions and refractive errors.

Our Vision

Alcon’s vision is to be the most trusted leader in eye care. With the Novartis merger in 2011, we were able to expand our global presence to accelerate access to innovative eye care products and partner with eye care professionals around the world. By serving and working with people worldwide, we are building our reputation, while addressing the growing eye care demands of the future.

Join our World-class Teams

Life at Alcon combines a dynamic, positive work environment with our commitment to helping people see better. We are always looking for sharp minds willing to collaborate, create, learn and advance eye health worldwide.

Explore the possibilities with Alcon today.