Microbiologist II - Sterile

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. in Houston, Texas, seeks a Microbiologist II to perform advanced microbiological testing in a cleanroom environment. The role involves compliance with regulatory standards, maintenance of laboratory equipment, troubleshooting, and contribution to training initiatives. Candidates should have a Master's in biology or microbiology, or a Bachelor's with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience. An understanding of cleanroom operations is preferred. This position offers opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and involvement in innovative projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Biology/Microbiology or a relevant field, or Bachelor's with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in cGLP or cGMP regulated laboratories is a plus.
• Strong understanding of microbiology principles and methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing while ensuring compliance with standards.
• Review sample schedules and develop testing plans.
• Troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making

Detail Oriented

Technical troubleshooting

Time Management

Critical Thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field

Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience

Tools

Biological Safety Cabinets

Laboratory equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Microbiologist II is an experienced laboratory professional who independently performs advanced microbiological testing in a cleanroom environment while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards and company SOPs. This role carries expanded technical responsibility, including complex testing, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, data evaluation, and documentation review. The Microbiologist II serves as a technical resource within the laboratory, supports training initiatives, participates in cross-functional collaboration, and contributes to continuous improvement and client-focused projects.

What You Will Do

• Operate independently while maintaining a high level of responsibility for assigned tasks, conducting routine testing on samples—including Sterility, Endotoxin, and Particulate Matter testing—in a timely manner and with minimal supervision, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Review schedules and develop plans to guarantee that all required samples are collected and tested on time. Reconcile test samples at the end of the incubation period to confirm proper handling and processing within required limits.
• Maintain the proper chain of custody for all samples, managing aliquoting, storage, receipt, and shipping effectively.
• Participate in clean lab operations, preventive actions, and continuous improvement programs to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency.
• Perform maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of assigned equipment and systems to meet testing deadlines.
• Promptly troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to laboratory procedures and cleanroom operations, notifying management of any calibration failures or repair needs.
• Adhere to company policies and applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including ISO 17025, cGMP, cGLP, A2LA requirements, and Quality Control Guidelines. Ensure that SOPs are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with all required regulatory documents.
• Calculate, evaluate, and review data, ensuring clear communication of results both verbally and in written format. Draft and review SOPs to ensure consistent execution of laboratory processes.
• Stay current with technology and instruments, particularly in the areas of microorganisms, equipment trouble shooting, and microbiology/taxonomy issues, while maintaining familiarity with all applicable equipment and systems.
• Participate in a cross-technology educational program within the laboratory to gain a comprehensive understanding of all functions.
• Assist with special projects for pharmaceutical and biotech clients, contributing expertise and innovative solutions.
• 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

• Master’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience in microbiology or a laboratory setting.
• Preferred experience working with Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) and in clean room environments.
• Experience in cGLP or cGMP regulated laboratories is a plus.
• Demonstrated relevant experience in a microbiology laboratory (Q.C., pharmaceutical, biotech, or clinical lab preferred), with expertise in one or more of the following functions: sterility testing, endotoxin testing, antibiotic assays, environmental monitoring, microbial identification, and/or microbial limit testing (MLT).
• Strong understanding of microbiology principles and methods, with the ability to communicate this information effectively.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and interpersonal skills, with the high degree of accountability, attention to detail, and integrity in all tasks.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with excellent verbal and written communication abilities across disciplines.
• Proficient in reading, understanding, and complying with company policies and SOPs, including safety rules and regulations.
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to maintain focus and complete work in a timely manner, with a willingness to adapt and learn new skills as needed.
• 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.

Who We Are

Serving customers since 2004, Eagle offers the highest quality in preparation testing for sterility, bacterial endotoxins, microbial detection, beyond-use dating (BUD) determination and active ingredient potency. State-of-the-art equipment, combined with the experience and knowledge of our team, makes Eagle the best choice for all testing needs. The Eagle team is committed not only to performing the best quality control testing, but also working relentlessly with our customers on solutions if tests receive unexpected results. Learn more at www.eagleanalytical.com.

Preferred Skills

• Time Management – Advanced
• Troubleshooting – Advanced
• Critical Thinking – Advanced
• Detail Oriented – Advanced

Preferred Behaviors

• Dedicated – Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Detail Oriented – Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Team Player – Works well as a member of a group

Preferred Motivations

• Self‑Starter – Inspired to perform without outside help
• Flexibility – Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Education Required

• Bachelor’s or better in Biology or related field.
• Bachelor’s or better in Microbiology or related field.

Preferred Education

• Master’s or better in Biology or related field.
• Master’s or better in Microbiology or related field.
• Master’s or better in Microbiology and Molecular Cell Sciences 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.