Supervisor, Microbiology Quality Control

Research & Diagnostic Systems, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 62,300 - 102,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive insurance benefits

401(k) plan

Paid holidays and parental leave

Tuition reimbursement and training programs

Job summary

Research & Diagnostic Systems, Inc. seeks a Supervisor, QC Microbiology in Minneapolis, MN to lead daily laboratory operations. The role involves overseeing microbiological testing and ensuring compliance with industry standards while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability within the team.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field and have substantial experience in microbiological testing. This position also encourages ongoing development, providing ample opportunities for growth and mentorship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific field.
• Minimum of four years of laboratory experience required.
• Prior leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead microbiological testing and oversee daily lab operations.
• Train and mentor team members in compliance and quality standards.
• Collaborate with other departments to support testing needs.

Skills

Hands-on microbiological testing

Method validation

Collaboration skills

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology or related field

4+ years of relevant experience (B.Sc.) or 1+ year (M.Sc.)

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Position Summary

By joining Bio-Techne, you’ll join a company with a powerful and positive purpose of enabling cutting‑edge research in Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics. Bio-Techne, and all of its brands, provides tools for researchers to further treat and prevent disease worldwide.

Pay Range: $62,300.00 - $102,350.00

Position Summary: The Supervisor, QC Microbiology is a hands‑on, working supervisor who leads and actively participates in daily laboratory operations, including routine microbiological testing and environmental monitoring. This role is responsible for ensuring the timely and compliant execution of testing, data review, and lot disposition in accordance with SOPs and approved specifications.

In addition to providing direct laboratory support, the supervisor leads the QC Microbiology team by driving a culture of ownership, accountability, and collaboration. The position also plays a key role in supporting investigations (e.g., OOS and contamination events) and partnering cross‑functionally to achieve operational and quality objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Working Supervision
  • Serve as a hands‑on (working) supervisor, actively performing and supporting microbiological testing alongside team members as needed.
  • Supervise daily laboratory operations, including staff scheduling, workload balancing, and priority setting.
  • Provide real‑time coaching, technical guidance, and issue resolution.
  • Foster a culture of high ownership, accountability, and collaboration within the team.
  • Lead by example in work ethic, data integrity, and compliance.
• Testing, Validation & Compliance
  • Perform and oversee microbiological testing, including bioburden testing, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring.
  • Support and/or lead method validations, including compendial (USP) and internal methods.
  • Support equipment qualification and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for lab equipment.
  • Review data and make lot disposition decisions in accordance with approved specifications.
  • Ensure all laboratory activities comply with SOPs and internal quality standards.
  • Lead and support OOS, deviation, and contamination investigations, including root cause analysis and CAPA development.
  • Ensure accurate, complete, and inspection‑ready documentation.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Coordinate closely with Operations, Development, Product Support, and Technical/Customer Services to support testing needs and timelines.
  • Proactively communicate status updates, risks, and issues to management and stakeholders.
  • Promote a collaborative approach to problem‑solving across departments.
• Laboratory Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain and improve SOPs, test methods, and controlled documentation.
  • Identify and implement improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance compliance.
  • Track and trend key quality metrics (e.g., OOS, contamination events, turnaround time, productivity).
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the lab.
• Equipment & Laboratory Management
  • Ensure timely calibration, maintenance, and qualification of laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain service schedules and ensure equipment is fit for use.
  • Ensure laboratory organization, cleanliness, and safety standards are consistently met.
• Training & Staffing
  • Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of new team members.
  • Maintain training curricula and ensure training compliance (e.g., ComplianceWire).
  • Provide ongoing development, coaching, and performance feedback.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and support goal setting.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Support departmental and company initiatives related to productivity, quality, and operational excellence.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field.
  • 4+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 1+ year of relevant experience with a Master’s degree.
  • Prior leadership or informal leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong hands‑on experience with bioburden testing, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring programs.
  • Experience with method validation, including compendial (USP) and internal methods.
  • Experience supporting or executing equipment qualification/validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
  • Experience investigating out‑of‑specification (OOS) results & contamination events.
  • Knowledge of QC laboratory systems, SOPs and controlled documentation, deviations and CAPA processes, & method validation and lifecycle concepts.
  • Demonstrated ownership mindset with the ability to drive accountability in self and others.
  • Strong collaboration skills with ability to work effectively across teams.
  • Effective leadership and coaching abilities in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Analytical problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and compliance.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Working Conditions

Work performed in a laboratory and production environment with exposure to chemicals, reagents, and standard lab equipment. Standard schedule hours with occasional variation depending on production needs. Minimal or no travel required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and handle materials weighing 5–50 lbs. Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive laboratory tasks for extended periods. Manual dexterity required for laboratory equipment and fine measurement techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive insurance benefits starting on day one: medical, dental, vision, life, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, pet insurance, legal and ID shield.
• 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), and dependent care FSA.
• Mentorship, promotional opportunities, training and development, tuition reimbursement, internship programs, and more.
• Employee resource groups, volunteer paid time off, employee events, and charity drives to build a culture of caring and belonging.
• Accrued leave policy with paid holidays, paid time off, and paid parental leave.

EEO Statement

Bio-Techne is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or take part in any other stage of the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.