Microbiologist I

Nutramax Laboratories; Lancaster (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Nutramax Laboratories in Lancaster, SC seeks a Quality Control Microbiologist I to perform release testing on finished products, manage sample submissions to contracted labs, and document results per cGMP. The role involves evaluating microbiological testing across materials, products, and customer requests, and supporting SOP improvements and training.

Qualifications

• The QCM will have two or more years of laboratory experience in a cGMP facility.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation operation, troubleshooting, and the generation/revision of SOPs.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of personnel.

Responsibilities

• Perform release testing on finished products following SOPs and in-house test methods.
• Submit samples to contract labs with appropriate documentation.
• Document results of analyses on COAs and record procedures per cGMP guidelines.
• Document routine and non-routine microbiological testing on raw materials, finished products, and samples.
• Initiate investigation reports for out-of-spec data when necessary.
• Develop, validate, and execute test methods and evaluation/validation reports.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and assist other analysts as needed.
• Provide training to new laboratory personnel under supervision of the QCM.

Skills

cGMP documentation

SOP development

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

APC Airborne Counter

SAS Air Sampler

Biolumix Rapid Microbiology Systems

Autoclave

Incubators

Stomacher

Microscope

Bio-Safety Hood

Laboratory Balances

Job description

Location: 946 Quality Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720

Roles and Responsibilities:

• The Quality Control Microbiologist I (QCM I) reports to Quality Control (QC) Management.
• The QCM will perform release testing on finished products following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in-house test methods.
• The QCM will be responsible for submitting sample to contract labs as necessary with appropriate documentation. The QCM I will follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) documentation guidelines to record all procedures in a timely fashion. The analyst will be responsible for reporting the results of analyses on finished product Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• The QCM will be responsible for the documentation of all routine and non-routine microbiological testing performed on raw materials, finished products, and special request samples weather performed in-house or by the certified contract laboratory. (S)he will initiate Investigation reports for out of specification (OOS) laboratory data when necessary.
• The QCM will perform evaluation/ validation testing on Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. finished products and raw materials following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), in-house test methods, and industry guidelines. (S)he will be responsible for the execution of Evaluation Protocols as well as Evaluation/ Validation Reports and Summaries, following Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) documentation guidelines, to be presented to QC and Upper Management.
• The QCM will be knowledgeable of the collection of Environmental Monitoring (EM) samples, following QCM SOPs, as needed to meet the needs or goals of the company. (S)he will be familiar with the operation of both the APC Airborne Particle Counter and the SAS Air Sampler, and will be proficient in the use and handling of media plates for EM sampling. The QCM is responsible for the scrutiny, documentation, and interpretation of EM results. (S)he must communicate EM trends and findings to QC, Manufacturing, or Packaging Management, as appropriate.
• The QCM will provide input for the improvement of existing SOPs, test methods, and other protocols and policies throughout the Micro Laboratory. (S)he will also be involved in implementing new procedures within the laboratory and the authoring of new SOPs, as appropriate.
• The QCM will review and sign off on reports and Certificates of Analysis (C of As) generated by other QC personnel.
• The QCM will have a good understanding of all equipment and methods used throughout the QCM Laboratory, including but not limited to the following instrumentation: Laboratory Balances, Biolumix Rapid Microbiology Systems, Autoclave, Incubators, Stomacher, Microscope, and the Bio-Safety Hood. This individual will be required to troubleshoot his or her own analyses or experiments, and to draw conclusions with sound scientific judgment. The QCM will also assist other analysts in the Laboratory with troubleshooting as problems arise with instrumentation or with other microbiological analyses.
• The QCM will assist in developing and executing test methods for the analysis and QC testing of microbiological media (Growth Promotion) for suitability and the interpretation of growth (organism identification) from samples and controls.
• The QCM will assist in gathering information and data for product or situation investigations relevant to the QCM Laboratory or to Quality Control (QC) as a whole.
• The QCM will assist in training new laboratory personnel. All training performed under the supervision of the QCM will be documented in accordance with established SOPs and the Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. training program.
• The QCM will maintain a safe working environment and will ensure that all equipment used in the testing procedures is calibrated and properly maintained.
• The QCM will provide assistance, as needed, to the QC Chemistry Laboratory with any chemistry application of which (s)he is knowledgeable and trained.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with other department and function within a team environment.
• Performance of other duties may be required for meeting company goals.

Minimum Requirements

The QCM will have two or more years of laboratory experience in a cGMP facility, including experience with the proper operation of laboratory instrumentation, troubleshooting, and the generation and revision of SOPs. Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of personnel are required.

Education and Experience

A Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Microbiology or a related science or a combination of experience and education deemed equivalent is required for the QCM position.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Nutramax desires to provide a drug-free, healthful, and safe workplace. We hold a zero-tolerance policy for drug use. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a preemployment background check and drug screen (subject to applicable law).