Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to lead the Quality Control microbiology team. You will oversee testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring to ensure product quality and patient safety.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Microbiology or related life sciences, at least six years of pharmaceutical microbiology experience, strong leadership, and expertise in cGMP, with opportunities to contribute

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of pharmaceutical microbiology experience.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP and pharmacopoeial requirements.
• Experience with environmental monitoring and method validation.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee microbiological testing of materials, in-process, products, and environmental samples.
• Develop and validate new microbiological methods.
• Investigate deviations and OOS results and drive CAPAs.
• Manage environmental monitoring programs for manufacturing areas.
• Participate in sterilization process validation.
• Review data and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology / Life Sciences

Tools

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity in the pharmaceutical landscape, is actively seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to join their esteemed Quality Control department in Sandton, Gauteng. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing and executing microbiological testing to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products. The Senior Microbiologist will lead initiatives related to microbial contamination control, environmental monitoring, and validation studies. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of product integrity and patient safety, and your expertise will be instrumental in this mission. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute significantly to a leading pharmaceutical organization located in the bustling hub of Sandton, Gauteng. The role requires a deep understanding of microbiological principles and their application within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct a wide range of microbiological tests on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental monitoring samples.
• Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological testing methods and procedures.
• Investigate microbial contaminations, deviations, and out-of-specification (OOS) results, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Manage the environmental monitoring program for manufacturing areas, including air, surface, and personnel monitoring.
• Perform microbial challenge studies and participate in the validation of sterilization processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant pharmacopoeial standards (e.g., USP, EP) and regulatory guidelines (e.g., cGMP).
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibrate instruments, and ensure the proper functioning of the microbiology laboratory.
• Train and mentor junior microbiology staff, fostering their technical and professional development.
• Review and approve laboratory data, reports, and documentation.
• Stay current with advancements in microbiology and regulatory expectations within the pharmaceutical industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Pharmacy, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, with demonstrated experience in a laboratory setting.
• In-depth knowledge of cGMP, microbiological testing techniques, and relevant pharmacopoeial requirements.
• Proven experience in environmental monitoring, method validation, and OOS investigations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a regulated environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, reflecting the seniority and importance of this role within the pharmaceutical Quality Control team. This includes comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized training, industry seminars, and conferences. Join a supportive and scientifically driven team in Sandton, Gauteng, where your expertise in microbiology will directly contribute to the quality and safety of life‑saving medications. This is an outstanding career opportunity within the pharmaceutical sector.