QC Manager, Microbiology

Pfizer; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus eligibility

Job summary

Pfizer in the United States is seeking a QC Microbiology Leader to oversee routine microbiological testing ensuring product quality and process control. You will lead a team, drive safety and continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

You will collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Technical Services to support production schedules and audits, while mentoring staff and maintaining an inspection-ready laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Extensive knowledge of cGMP compliance requirements for Quality Control Laboratories
• Demonstrated experience in microbiological testing, laboratory operations, investigations, and change management activities supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality operations.
• In-depth understanding of aseptic processing, contamination control principles, and microbiological quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, projects, or laboratory operations.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, leadership, and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage technical, quality, and business stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight of a team responsible for routine microbiological testing supporting the release of product and process samples.
• Lead and develop a team of QC Microbiology colleagues, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, continuous improvement, and colleague engagement.
• Establish team priorities and manage performance through goal setting, coaching, talent development, succession planning, effective deployment of resources, and ongoing assessment.
• Drive operational excellence through the application of continuous improvement principles, including standard work, visual management, process optimization, and effective problem solving.
• Ensure compliance with Pfizer Quality Standards, regulatory requirements, and current cGMP, maintaining an inspection-ready laboratory and supporting internal and external audits and regulatory inspections.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Technical Services, Supply Chain, and other site functions to support production schedules, investigations, strategic initiatives, and business objectives.
• Monitor laboratory performance through the use of metrics and trend analysis, identifying opportunities to improve compliance, efficiency, capacity, and customer service.
• Lead change initiatives, implementation of new technologies, process improvements, and strategic initiatives that enhance microbiology testing capabilities and operational effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Quality systems

cGMP knowledge

Microbiology testing

Investigations

Project management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

Every day, everything we do is driven by an unwavering commitment to delivering safe and effective products to patients. Our quality culture, which is both science and risk‑based, is flexible, innovative, and customer‑oriented. Whether you are engaged in development, maintenance, compliance, or analysis through research programs, your contribution will have a direct impact on patients. Our dedication to quality and safety ensures that we consistently meet the highest standards, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us in our mission to improve patient outcomes through excellence in every aspect of our work.

What You Will Achieve

• Provide leadership and operational oversight of a team responsible for routine microbiological testing supporting the release of product and process samples, including compendial and non‑compendial microbiological assays used to ensure product quality and process control.
• Lead and develop a team of QC Microbiology colleagues, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, continuous improvement, and colleague engagement.
• Establish team priorities and manage performance through goal setting, coaching, talent development, succession planning, effective deployment of resources, and ongoing assessment.
• Drive operational excellence through the application of continuous improvement principles, including standard work, visual management, process optimization, and effective problem solving.
• Ensure compliance with Pfizer Quality Standards, regulatory requirements, and current cGMP, maintaining an inspection‑ready laboratory and supporting internal and external audits and regulatory inspections.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Technical Services, Supply Chain, and other site functions to support production schedules, investigations, strategic initiatives, and business objectives.
• Monitor laboratory performance through the use of metrics and trend analysis, identifying opportunities to improve compliance, efficiency, capacity, and customer service.
• Lead change initiatives, implementation of new technologies, process improvements, and strategic initiatives that enhance microbiology testing capabilities and operational effectiveness.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR as associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience;
• Extensive knowledge of cGMP compliance requirements for Quality Control Laboratories
• Demonstrated experience in microbiological testing, laboratory operations, investigations, and change management activities supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality operations.
• In‑depth understanding of aseptic processing, contamination control principles, and microbiological quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, projects, or laboratory operations.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, leadership, and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage technical, quality, and business stakeholders.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Knowledge in the application of statistical tools, root cause analysis, and/or six sigma methodologies
• Experience supporting microbiological quality control testing programs and audit/regulatory inspections.
• Experience with QC laboratory instrumentation, method lifecycle management, and troubleshooting of microbiological testing systems.
• Experience supporting implementation of new methodologies, and technology transfer activities from R&D or other internal functions.
• Experience managing projects and cross‑functional initiatives involving moderate complexity, multiple stakeholders, and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated success developing high‑performing teams through coaching, talent development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, implement, and sustain operational improvements through the application of continuous improvement principles.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving, data analysis, communication, and productivity improvements.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and an understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Normal lifting, sitting, standing and walking requirements to facilitate support of staff in the office and on the floor (laboratory).

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Position is first shift Monday through Friday. Some off hour (night/weekend/holiday) support may be required.

OTHER JOB DETAILS

• Referral Bonus Eligibility: YES
• Eligible for Relocation Package: NO
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $176,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program.

We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com).

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer. U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

Sunshine Act Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you have licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Quality Assurance and Control Pfizer careers are like no other. In our culture of individual ownership, we believe in our ability to improve future healthcare, and potential to transform millions of lives. We’re looking for new talent to join our global community, to unearth new innovative therapies that make the world a healthier place.