Quality Control Senior Microbiologist

Planet Pharma Group; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in Johnson City, TN, is seeking a microbiology laboratory professional to perform quality control testing of cosmetic and OTC products and related materials. You will conduct routine assays, validate methods, and provide technical guidance to colleagues, ensuring results meet regulatory and company standards.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related science and about five years of lab experience; pay ranges from $25 to $33 per hour, commensurate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related science field required.
• Five years of relevant microbiology laboratory experience preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological quality control testing of cosmetics and OTC products per SOPs and cGMP.
• Validate microbiological methods and conduct suitability studies.
• Record and report results, notify supervision of unusual findings.
• Train and provide technical guidance to laboratory staff.
• Maintain inventory and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Aseptic techniques

Communication skills

Mathematical abilities

Analytical reasoning

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related science

Tools

Word, Excel, Access, Outlook

Job description

Duties:
Performs microbiological quality control testing of cosmetic products, OTC products, and related materials in accordance with site policies, departmental procedures, compendial methods, and cGMP regulations. Performs microbiological validation and suitability studies and provides technical guidance to other laboratory personnel. Participates in departmental activities, records and reports results, and notifies supervision of unusual findings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently performs routine microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and stability samples following approved specifications and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This may include but is not limited to, bioburden/microbial limit testing, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, water testing, microbial isolation and identification techniques.
• Completes testing with a high degree of efficiency, reliability, and accuracy.
• Performs routine laboratory activities, including the proper use, care, and operation of laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Logs samples received into the laboratory and assesses their integrity upon receipt.
• Performs assigned work in a timely and safe manner conforming to regulatory, company, and compendial requirements.
• Records and reports test data correctly, completely and accurately within company and departmental policies and guidelines. Notifies supervision of unusual results for evaluation.
• Applies extensive knowledge of microbiological principles, testing methods, and laboratory procedures when performing assigned work.
• Demonstrates knowledge of company and departmental policies pertaining to cGMP, cGLP, safety, health, security, and laboratory procedures. Complies with company and departmental regulations, policies and guidelines while performing the duties of the job.
• Recognizes problems within the scope of the job and promptly and clearly communicates them to supervision. Follows directions and demonstrates proper judgment when a deviation occurs.
• Assists appropriate staff with the initiation of Laboratory Investigation Reports (LIRs).
• Develops, executes, and documents microbiological validation and suitability studies.
• Participates in inventory control. Maintains a neat and orderly workspace, adhering to all laboratory disinfection policies.
• Provides technical guidance and hands-on training to other microbiology personnel on testing methods, laboratory procedures, and troubleshooting.

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of microbiological principles, aseptic techniques, compendial testing methods, and microbiological validation and suitability requirements.
• Ability to effectively communicate testing status and special project updates to management and other departments.
• Language Ability: Ability to read and understand applicable compendial methods, SOPs, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or government regulations; write scientific reports, business correspondence and departmental procedures.
• Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpreting an extensive variety of technical instruction in mathematical or diagram form and dealing with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic computer skills with knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and the ability to use internet tools.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related science field.
• Five (5) years of relevant microbiology laboratory experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Pay Rate:

Pay Rate: $25-33/hr depending on experience