Associate Director, QC Microbiology

KBI Biopharma, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is seeking an experienced Microbiology Programs Lead to oversee Environmental Monitoring, Clean Utility, and Product Testing activities in the laboratory setting.

This role requires ensuring high-quality processes, effective use of materials, equipment, and personnel to support product and process development. The candidate should bring a strong background in microbiology, a proven track record of leadership, and the ability to train staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a scientific discipline (with heavy technical background).
• Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) preferred for senior leadership role.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial experience in a scientific setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee microbiology programs and methods activities across processes, instruments, and equipment.
• Perform detailed observations, troubleshooting analyses, and data interpretation to support program goals.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with current regulations and scientific literature.
• Ensure proper labeling, handling, and storage of chemical and biohazards; manage hazardous waste with safety training.

Education

Bachelor of Science in a scientific discipline

Master’s degree in Microbiology or related field

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for overseeing microbiological programs and methods activities for processes, instruments and equipment. Ensures the effective use of material, equipment and personnel while developing products and processes at high quality levels.

This person is responsible for the aspects of the following programs as directed by management:

• Environmental Monitoring (Air Viable, Total Air Particulate, Surface Viable)
• Clean Utility Monitoring (Water Sampling, Bioburden, Conductivity, TOC, Coliform and Nitrates)
• Compressed Gas Monitoring (Collection, Air Viable, Total Air Particulate, Dragger Tests and specific ID tests.)
• Product Testing (Bioburden, Endotoxin, Host Purity, or Non-Host)
• Media Release Laboratory Support

It is the expectation that this position is required to be onsite full time. Additionally, this position should be in the laboratory at a minimum of 1 hour a day, 3 time per week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Strong understanding of monitoring programs and methods, makes detailed observations and conducts troubleshooting analysis. Strong technical knowledge of programs. Makes detailed observations and carries out advanced data analysis. Execute and review routine Microbial Laboratory work. Utilizes technical discretion in the execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to program goals. May perform testing when required. Strong documentation and technical writing skills. Familiarity with current regulations and scientific literature. Ensures method verifications and qualification protocols and investigations are performed appropriately. May execute testing when required. Maintains current state of training prior to execution of tasks. Assures proper labeling, handling, and storage of all chemical and biohazards used in the laboratory. Assures proper labeling and disposition of hazardous waste in satellite areas; adheres to all safety requirements and follows safe procedures and attends all required safety and health training, including handling hazardous waste.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements: Bachelor of Science degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 13 – 15 years of technical management experience; or a Master’s degree with 11 – 14 years or a Doctorate degree in Microbiology study and 9 –12 years related experience and/or equivalent training preferred. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years’ managerial experience. Also requires a demonstrated track record in the following areas: Attainment of aggressive growth and profit objectives. Strong orientation for Quality and Customer Service. Demonstrated level of respect for individuals. Demonstrated contribution to science in appropriate area. High level of integrity and personal responsibility. Record of Innovation. Strong Collaboration and Team building skills.

Language Ability

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents and regulations. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to senior management peer group, employee groups, and/or customers.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Math Ability

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, statistical analysis, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity,analysis, correlation techniques, sampling theory and factor analysis.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary. I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

At KBI, we are constantly seeking to improve our team with accomplished individuals who share in our commitment to serve our clients as they seek to advance important medicines to the patients who need them.

We offer our employees a challenging, rewarding and fast-paced environment along with the opportunity for career advancement through the development of one’s technical skills.

At KBI, employees work in a collaborative, team environment, where sharing knowledge and expertise with one another is strongly encouraged.

If you do not see a position that matches your background, we invite you to return to our site often as positions are updated frequently.