QC Microbiologist I

Actalent; Missouri; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an QC Microbiologist I / Scientist I to support microbiological testing in a cGMP quality control lab for biological products. The role involves routine testing, data collection, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has hands-on microbiology lab experience, strong attention to detail, and interest in growing in a regulated pharmaceutical/biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Life Sciences or related field.
• 6+ months of microbiology lab experience.
• Hands-on aseptic technique and basic microbiological testing methods.
• Experience with sample preparation, handling, documentation, and data collection.
• Familiarity with culturing, plating, Gram staining, microscopy, and microbial identification.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing on water, in-process, environmental, and product samples.
• Conduct bioburden testing, BET, growth promotion testing, and microbial indicator testing.
• Support microbiological method validation and qualification activities.
• Collect, analyze, document, and communicate experimental data accurately per cGMP.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory documentation and controlled documents.
• Assist investigations related to OOS/OOT and CAPA activities.
• Utilize aseptic techniques to ensure reliable results.
• Coordinate sample receipt, handling, tracking, and disposition to ensure timely testing.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and equipment in inspection-ready state.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Validation, and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Aseptic Technique

Microbiology

Data Integrity

Laboratory Documentation

Quality Control

Regulatory Compliance

Attention to Detail

Communication

Teamwork

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

LIMS

TrackWise

Documentation Systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

QC Microbiologist I / Scientist IPosition Summary

The QC Microbiologist I / Scientist I supports microbiological testing activities in a cGMP-compliant Quality Control laboratory responsible for the manufacture and release of biological products. This role performs routine microbiological testing, supports validation activities, maintains laboratory documentation, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has hands‑on microbiology laboratory experience, strong attention to detail, and an interest in developing expertise within a regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing on water, in-process, environmental, and product samples in accordance with approved procedures.
• Conduct bioburden testing, bacterial endotoxin testing (BET), growth promotion testing, biological indicator testing, and maintenance of stock cultures.
• Support microbiological method validation and qualification activities.
• Collect, analyze, document, and communicate experimental data, observations, and test results accurately and in compliance with cGMP requirements.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory documentation, including test records, logbooks, protocols, reports, and controlled documents.
• Assist with investigations related to out‑of‑specification (OOS), out‑of‑trend (OOT), and other laboratory events, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Utilize aseptic techniques and established microbiological methods to ensure reliable and accurate results.
• Apply microbiological techniques including culturing, plating, gram staining, light microscopy, microbial identification, and taxonomy.
• Coordinate sample receipt, handling, tracking, and disposition activities to ensure timely completion of testing.
• Manage laboratory inventory and order supplies in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, workspaces, and records in a state of inspection readiness.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Validation, and other cross‑functional teams to support product release and manufacturing operations.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6 months of microbiology laboratory experience gained through industry, internships, research projects, academic laboratories, or equivalent experience.
• Hands‑on experience with aseptic technique and basic microbiological testing methods.
• Experience with laboratory sample preparation, handling, documentation, and data collection.
• Familiarity with microbiological techniques such as culturing, plating, gram staining, microscopy, and microbial identification.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a cGMP, GLP, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food, or related regulated environment.
• Experience performing bioburden testing, bacterial endotoxin testing (BET), growth promotion testing, environmental monitoring, sterility assurance, or microbial identification testing.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality systems and electronic systems such as LIMS, TrackWise, Documentum, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience supporting investigations, deviations, OOS/OOT events, or CAPA activities.
• Experience drafting or revising SOPs, protocols, reports, and laboratory documentation.
• Knowledge of biologics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or quality control laboratory operations.

Key Competencies

• Microbiology Laboratory Operations
• Aseptic Technique
• Quality Control Testing
• Data Collection & Analysis
• Documentation & Compliance
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Technical Communication
• cGMP & Quality Systems

What You'll Gain

• This role provides an excellent opportunity for early‑career scientists to develop expertise in GMP microbiology, biological product testing, validation activities, quality systems, and pharmaceutical manufacturing while working alongside experienced microbiology professionals in a highly regulated environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint