Senior Microbiologist - Pharmaceutical QC

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Paid time off

Professional development

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist to join the Quality Control department in Mossel Bay. Lead testing operations, develop microbiological methods, and ensure GMP-compliant environmental monitoring and testing for pharmaceutical products.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on QC microbiology experience, expertise in sterility testing and microbial identification, and strong documentation skills. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical QC microbiology.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques, enumeration, sterility testing, and ID methods.
• Thorough GMP/ICH knowledge and pharmacopeial standards.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee a wide range of microbiological tests including sterility testing.
• Conduct environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas.
• Develop, validate, and transfer microbiological methods per regulatory guidelines (USP, ICH).
• Investigate microbial excursions and OOS results; perform root-cause analyses.
• Provide guidance to junior microbiologists and QC staff.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Microbial enumeration

Sterility testing

Microbial identification

Documentation

Education

MSc in Microbiology

PhD in Microbiology

Tools

Environmental monitoring equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist to join their Quality Control department in Mossel Bay . This role is critical for ensuring the microbial purity and safety of pharmaceutical products through advanced microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. You will lead testing operations, develop and validate microbiological methods, and contribute to the overall quality assurance framework of the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmaceutical microbiology and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance. This position provides a significant opportunity to influence product safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee a wide range of microbiological tests, including sterility testing, bioburden analysis, and microbial identification.
• Conduct environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas and utilities, analyzing data and identifying trends.
• Develop, validate, and transfer microbiological methods according to regulatory guidelines (e.g., USP, EP).
• Investigate microbial excursions and out‑of‑specification results, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior microbiologists and other QC personnel.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related biological science.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical quality control microbiology.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques, microbial enumeration, sterility testing, and microbial identification methods.
• Thorough understanding of GMP, ICH guidelines, and relevant pharmacopeial standards for microbiology.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and retirement plan options.
• Professional development and training programs.
• A dynamic and supportive team environment in Mossel Bay , with remote work flexibility.