Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist

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

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in pharmaceutical innovation, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiologist to join their Quality Control department. This role can be performed remotely, offering flexibility while contributing to the critical task of ensuring product safety and integrity. You will be responsible for overseeing microbiological testing, environmental monitoring programs, and validating sterilization processes. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in microbial identification, aseptic techniques, and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical industry. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your specialized knowledge in microbiology within a supportive and dynamic virtual work environment, contributing to the quality of medicines produced by our client.

Key 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a 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.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, and opportunities for continuous professional development. As a remote employee, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from home, supported by a collaborative team and cutting‑edge technology. Join our client and contribute to the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals from Stellenbosch, Western Cape .