QC Scientist I, Microbiology

Astellas Pharma; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

401k Match

Bonus & Incentives

Long-Term Incentive

Company Car

Referral Bonus

Job summary

Astellas, based in Westborough, MA, seeks a QC Scientist to support the Microbiology GMP program. You will review environmental monitoring results, mentor team members, and lead microbial testing activities across media release, gram staining, and Bioburden work.

The role emphasizes documentation precision, training, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in manufacturing. Day shift, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, with GMP support as needed.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology/Microbiology with 8 years or MS with 4 years of relevant industry experience in a QC lab.
• Demonstrated experience of aseptic techniques and common microbiological testing.
• Supports/Mentors routine work, help/coach the team for testing or technical documents/projects.
• Good documentation, data organization, detail oriented, and for quality and timely batch release.
• Must be capable of observing and adhering to lab safety standards and procedures.
• Excels in a fast-paced team environment and completes assigned work in timely fashion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly collaborative within a multi-disciplinary team and contributes to a supportive and positive work environment.
• This role is scheduled to work during day shift (8 am to 5 pm) on Monday to Friday and flexibility may be required to support GMP Operations.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations in QC Microbiology laboratories and the GMP facility.
• Reviews EM, lab test results, and documents for product testing, EM, and trend reports.
• Oversee the trending and reporting of environmental data.
• Be an SME/Trainer for microbial testing of media release, products testing for gram staining, pH, bioburden, bacterial endotoxin, and microbial identification.
• Be an SME for EM/lab assays and help with assay qualification, instrument troubleshooting, and procedure/report writing.
• Receive manufacturing samples for QC analysis, ship samples to the contract labs testing, review data for lot disposition.
• Author any non-conformance, deviations, and OOS investigations-work with the team to find a root cause and corrective actions for out of specification results.
• Support cleanroom qualification, gowning qualification, aseptic process qualification, and personnel monitoring for manufacturing activities.
• Author and approve SOPs, protocols, reports, data summaries and quality systems internally as well as at contract labs and CMOs.
• Support QC equipment validation, maintenance, calibration, and QC laboratories scheduling and maintenance.
• Participate and own technical projects/documents for process improvement and implementation, experience with rapid assays (CCIT, Mycoplasma, and Sterility) is required.
• Represent QC in cross functional meetings and provide support/feedback for microbial quality/contamination control of the facility.
• Collaboratively develop and maintain the facilities contamination control strategy.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Microbiological testing

Mentoring teammates

Documentation & data management

Lab safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Microbiology

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope

QC Scientist, Microbiology will provide support to the AIRM MA-TC GMP Environmental Monitoring (EM) program, and microbial testing. QC Scientist will be responsible for supporting review of EM and lab test results, technical writing/projects, and training/coaching team members. This role is scheduled for Monday to Friday First shift (8 am to 5 pm) supporting GMP operations.

Role And Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations in QC Microbiology laboratories and the GMP facility.
• Reviews EM, lab test results, and documents for product testing, EM, and trend reports.
• Oversee the trending and reporting of environmental data.
• Be an SME/Trainer for microbial testing of media release, products testing for gram staining, pH, bioburden, bacterial endotoxin, and microbial identification.
• Be an SME for EM/lab assays and help with assay qualification, instrument troubleshooting, and procedure/report writing.
• Receive manufacturing samples for QC analysis, ship samples to the contract labs testing, review data for lot disposition.
• Author any non-conformance, deviations, and OOS investigations-work with the team to find a root cause and corrective actions for out of specification results.
• Support cleanroom qualification, gowning qualification, aseptic process qualification, and personnel monitoring for manufacturing activities.
• Author and approve SOPs, protocols, reports, data summaries and quality systems internally as well as at contract labs and CMOs.
• Support QC equipment validation, maintenance, calibration, and QC laboratories scheduling and maintenance.
• Participate and own technical projects/documents for process improvement and implementation, experience with rapid assays (CCIT, Mycoplasma, and Sterility) is required.
• Represent QC in cross functional meetings and provide support/feedback for microbial quality/contamination control of the facility.
• Collaboratively develop and maintain the facilities contamination control strategy.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Biology/Microbiology with 8 years or MS with 4 years of relevant industry experience in a QC lab.
• Demonstrated experience of aseptic techniques and common microbiological testing.
• Supports/Mentors routine work, help/coach the team for testing or technical documents/projects
• Good documentation, data organization, detail oriented, and for quality and timely batch release.
• Must be capable of observing and adhering to lab safety standards and procedures
• Excels in a fast-paced team environment and completes assigned work in timely fashion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly collaborative within a multi-disciplinary team and contributes to a supportive and positive work environment
• This role is scheduled to work during day shift (8 am to 5 pm) on Monday to Friday and flexibility may be required to support GMP Operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in QC environment, knowledge of cGMPs and regulatory requirements pertaining to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.
• Model our core values- Be Bold, Care Deeply, getting stuff done- while promoting the team culture and Compliance.

Location and Working Environment

This position is based in Westborough, MA.

• Prior experience in QC environment, knowledge of cGMPs and regulatory requirements pertaining to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.
• Model our core values- Be Bold, Care Deeply, getting stuff done- while promoting the team culture and Compliance.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
• Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you''ll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do. Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’ , working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$94,570-135,100 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations.)

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

Category Massachusetts TC

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans