Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist for its Bloemfontein facility to lead microbial testing and environmental monitoring programs, ensuring product integrity and patient safety.

You will develop and implement microbiological controls, maintain records, and support audits while staying current with regulatory expectations and providing training to junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• Hands-on experience with microbial identification, sterility testing, enumeration and bioburden testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological tests on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products and environmental monitoring samples.
• Develop, validate and implement microbiological methods per pharmacopoeial and regulatory guidelines (USP, EP, SAHPRA).
• Conduct environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas including air, water and surfaces.
• Investigate and troubleshoot microbial contamination excursions and out-of-specification results.
• Maintain laboratory records and prepare detailed reports on testing and monitoring.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Stay updated with advancements in pharmaceutical microbiology and regulatory expectations.
• Provide technical support and training to junior staff.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to microbiological controls.
• Ensure compliance with GLP and GMP.

Skills

Microbiology testing

Environmental monitoring

Aseptic techniques

GMP/GLP compliance

Data interpretation

Team training

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology/ Biotechnology

Tools

MALDI-TOF

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to producing safe and effective medicines, is seeking an experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist for their facility in **Bloemfontein, Free State**. In this critical role, you will lead microbial testing and environmental monitoring programs to ensure product integrity and patient safety. You will be responsible for implementing and maintaining robust microbiological control strategies. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of pharmaceutical microbiology, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to upholding the highest quality standards. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a well-established company within the **Bloemfontein** community.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of microbiological tests on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring samples.
• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological methods according to pharmacopoeial and regulatory guidelines (e.g., USP, EP, SAHPRA).
• Conduct environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas, including air, water, and surface sampling.
• Investigate and troubleshoot microbial contamination excursions and out-of-specification results.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare detailed reports on microbiological testing and environmental monitoring.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and functioning correctly.
• Stay current with advancements in pharmaceutical microbiology and regulatory expectations.
• Provide technical support and training to junior microbiology staff.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to microbiological controls.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical or medical device microbiology.
• Hands-on experience with microbial identification techniques, sterility testing, microbial enumeration, and bioburden testing.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and environmental monitoring.
• Strong understanding of GMP, GLP, and relevant microbiological guidelines.
• Experience with microbial identification systems (e.g., MALDI-TOF) and rapid microbiological methods is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• We foster a supportive work environment and encourage continuous learning.

Join us in ensuring the highest standards of microbiological control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.