Microbiologist I - Sterile

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. in Houston, TX is seeking a Microbiologist I to operate independently in a cleanroom laboratory setting. Responsibilities include routine microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Microbiology and experience in sterility testing. The role emphasizes attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication across departments. It offers a regulated environment requiring adherence to cGMP and cGLP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Preferred experience in sterility testing and cleanroom operations.
• Strong understanding of microbiological principles, techniques, and laboratory protocols.
• Proficiency in laboratory data entry and management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological testing and environmental monitoring in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Operate independently while maintaining responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Maintain the proper chain of custody for all samples.
• Participate in continuous improvement programs to enhance efficiency.
• Enter and verify data while ensuring data integrity.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Troubleshooting

Detail Oriented

Time Management

Team Player

Self-Starter

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Job description

Position Summary

The Microbiologist I operates independently in a cleanroom laboratory setting to perform routine microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and sample handling in compliance with regulatory standards. This role ensures accurate and timely testing while maintaining strict adherence to cGMP, cGLP, and company SOPs. The position also supports continuous improvement initiatives, proper documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration.

What You Will Do

• Operate independently while maintaining a high level of responsibility for assigned tasks, conducting routine testing on samples—including sterility and endotoxin testing—in a timely manner to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Perform routine environmental monitoring of clean rooms, including the reading and interpretation of environmental monitoring (EM) plates.
• Check method suitability for sterility tests and assist in troubleshooting any issues related to laboratory procedures.
• Maintain the proper chain of custody for all samples, effectively managing aliquoting, storage, receipt, and shipping processes.
• Participate in clean lab operations, preventive actions, and continuous improvement programs to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency.
• Enter and verify data in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP), ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Maintain various logbooks and documentation in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support the training and onboarding of new team members to ensure their competency and compliance with laboratory procedures.
• Communicate effectively across departments—including Quality Assurance, Client Care, and other internal teams—to ensure smooth workflow and alignment with company objectives.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Preferred experience in sterility testing and cleanroom operations; experience in cGLP and/or cGMP regulated laboratory environments is a plus.
• Strong understanding of microbiological principles, techniques, and laboratory protocols, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information.
• Proficiency in laboratory data entry and laboratory information or data management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to maintain accurate documentation in compliance with company policies, SOPs, and safety regulations.
• Ability to manage time effectively, maintain focus, meet established timelines, and adapt to new processes and skills as required.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in a team environment, following instructions accurately and communicating effectively across disciplines.
• Ability to execute tasks in a cleanroom environment; head‑to‑toe PPE (including full bunny suit) is required at all times.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting testing procedures, with the physical dexterity to perform testing accurately and precisely.
• Frequent use of laboratory equipment and routine exposure to chemicals in a controlled, regulated setting.

Skills & Preferences

• Critical Thinking
• Troubleshooting
• Detail Oriented
• Time Management
• Dedicated
• Team Player
• Self‑Starter
• Flexibility
• Education: Bachelors or better in Biology or related field; Bachelors or better in Microbiology or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.