Lead Microbiology Lab & QA/R&D – Cosmetics

Actalent; Chanhassen (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

401k

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Microbiology Supervisor to lead and develop the Microbiology Laboratory, expanding internal testing capabilities and guiding QA/QC programs for OTC and cosmetic products. You will manage third-party labs, ensure GMP/GLP/GDP compliance, and support new water-based product lines while coordinating with production, quality, and R&D teams.

The role emphasizes leadership of microbiology processes, environmental monitoring, and data-driven decision making in a fast-growing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Microbiology or a closely related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in an FDA-regulated microbiology function, preferably OTC/pharmaceutical.
• Proven experience leading microbiology programs and QA/QC activities.
• Demonstrated experience training and mentoring laboratory staff.
• Hands-on microbiology operations, including bioburden testing and validation.
• Strong knowledge of environmental monitoring in manufacturing/pharma.
• Familiarity with USP methods/validation in microbiology.
• Ability to interpret GMP/GLP/GDP in daily lab operations.
• Audit support experience with regulatory/customer inquiries.
• Strong analytical and data presentation skills for varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead, document, and implement Microbiology Laboratory processes and programs.
• Oversee QA/QC programs and direct one microbiology technician.
• Lead R&D program for microbiology including challenge and stability studies.
• Assess microbiological control and recommend process improvements.
• Coordinate internal and third-party microbiology testing and ensure timely results.
• Report OOS results per SOP and maintain deviation records.
• Analyze and present microbiology data to diverse audiences.
• Support GMP/GLP/GDP compliance across operations.
• Maintain calibration and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Lead procurement and IQ/OQ/PQ qualification of new equipment.

Skills

FDA-regulated microbiology

Leadership of microbiology programs

Staff training & mentoring

Bioburden testing

Environmental monitoring knowledge

GMP/GLP/GDP interpretation

Audit support experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Microbiology Supervisor to lead and develop the Microbiology Laboratory, expanding internal testing capabilities and guiding QA/QC programs for OTC and cosmetic products. You will manage third-party labs, ensure GMP/GLP/GDP compliance, and support new water-based product lines while coordinating with production, quality, and R&D teams.

The role emphasizes leadership of microbiology processes, environmental monitoring, and data-driven decision making in a fast-growing