Lab Associate

West Pharmaceutical Services / Progressive Medical; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services is seeking a laboratory professional to perform routine and non-routine testing to support product release and plant operations, including environmental monitoring, water testing, and related laboratory functions.

You will execute incoming material testing, microbial identification with the WID-MID software, and help maintain cGMP compliance through data review, SOPs, and audits. Travel up to 5% is required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry.
• 1-3 years of experience in a similar role preferred.
• Experience in lab instrumentation preferred.
• Experience working in a lab or cGMP/pharmaceutical environment preferred.
• Proficiency in English; good verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine product release testing, including endotoxin, bioburden, particulates, and silicone.
• Support plant operations with environmental monitoring and water testing.
• Perform incoming material testing and growth promotion testing of culture media.
• Perform microbial identification using the WID‑MID software.
• Review laboratory data and assist with audits, SOPs, and qualifications.

Skills

Proficiency in English

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree in biology/microbiology/chemistry

Tools

WID-MID software

Job description

Description

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life‑saving and life‑enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

In this role, you will perform routine and non‑routine testing to support product release and plant operations, including but not limited to environmental monitoring, water testing, and other laboratory functions as needed.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non‑routine product release testing, including, but not limited to, bacterial endotoxin, bioburden, particulate, silicone.
• Perform routine testing to support plant operations, including environmental monitoring, water testing, and personnel monitoring.
• Perform incoming material testing, including growth promotion testing of culture media and incoming testing of biological indicators.
• Perform microbial identification using the WID‑MID software.
• Review laboratory data as required.
• Participate in basic laboratory support functions, including cleaning and preparing materials and glassware for testing.
• Provide support for validation, method transfers, and project related work.
• Assist in preparation of work instructions, SOPs, and qualification documentation.
• Provide support during internal and external audits.
• Participate in or assist with the identification, investigation (OOS’s) and resolution of problems in the laboratory.
• Apply cGMP requirements, data integrity, and internal procedures.
• Adhere to established laboratory safety procedures.
• Meet individual and departmental goals as required.
• Work effectively as a team member with self‑motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude to support continuous improvement in laboratory functions, while also being able to independently use established methods and procedures.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Education

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

Work Experience

• No minimum years of experience required.
• 1-3 years of experience in a similar role preferred.
• Experience in lab Instrumentation preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory or cGMP/pharmaceutical environment preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficiency in English.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description.
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times.

Travel Requirements

5%: Up to 13 business days per year

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to [e-mail] . Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.