Remote Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist - QC & Sterility

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Remote work option

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to join the Quality Control team on a remote basis, supporting microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and validation of sterilization processes to ensure product safety and integrity.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in pharmaceutical microbiology, expertise in MALDI-TOF/PCR, aseptic techniques, and regulatory knowledge (USP/EP/FDA/SAHPRA). Remote role with potential collaboration from Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, including at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of microbial identification techniques (e.g., MALDI-TOF, PCR), aseptic techniques, and enumeration methods.
• Proficiency in environmental monitoring strategies and interpreting results.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines relevant to pharmaceutical microbiology (e.g., USP, EP, FDA, SAHPRA).
• Experience with data analysis and investigation of OOS results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform and interpret a wide range of microbiological tests on raw materials, finished products, water systems, and manufacturing environments.
• Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological methods and analytical procedures.
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs, including air, surface, and personnel monitoring.
• Conduct microbial limit tests, sterility testing, and bioburden assessments.
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) microbiological results and identify root causes, implementing corrective actions.
• Validate sterilization and depyrogenation processes.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive laboratory records and documentation according to cGMP guidelines.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in pharmaceutical microbiology and regulatory expectations.
• Train and mentor junior microbiology staff as needed.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to microbiological controls.

Skills

Microbiology expertise

Regulatory compliance

Leadership / mentoring

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Master's degree in Microbiology

Tools

MALDI-TOF

PCR

LIMS

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to join the Quality Control team on a remote basis, supporting microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and validation of sterilization processes to ensure product safety and integrity.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in pharmaceutical microbiology, expertise in MALDI-TOF/PCR, aseptic techniques, and regulatory knowledge (USP/EP/FDA/SAHPRA). Remote role with potential collaboration from Stellenbosch, Western Cape.