Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiology Specialist

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Conference participation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiology Specialist to join its quality operations team in Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa. The role focuses on maintaining microbiological integrity of products and manufacturing environments, with emphasis on GMP-compliant environmental monitoring and testing programs.

The ideal candidate has a strong microbiology background, advanced degrees, and hands-on experience with microbial limit testing, sterility testing, and microbial

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Microbiology or related life science.
• At least 5 years in pharmaceutical microbiology in manufacturing.
• Strong GMP knowledge and regulatory familiarity.
• Experience with microbial limit testing, sterility testing and environmental monitoring.
• Proficiency in microbial identification methods.
• Excellent communication and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to document findings clearly and work in a team.
• Willing to relocate to Randburg, SA if needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage environmental monitoring programs for manufacturing areas.
• Perform microbial enumeration and identification tests on materials and products.
• Conduct sterility testing for sterile products.
• Investigate microbial excursions, OOS results and deviations with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Perform bioburden testing and support method/process validations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, USP, EP, and regulatory guidelines.
• Provide microbiological expertise to QA, manufacturing, and R&D teams.
• Train junior microbiology staff and contribute to practice improvements.
• Stay updated on emerging microbiology risks and technologies.

Skills

Environmental monitoring

Microbial limit testing

Sterility testing

GMP compliance

Microbial identification

Data interpretation

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Microbiology

Tools

LIMS

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical company committed to delivering high-quality medicines, is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Microbiology Specialist to join their quality operations team in Randburg, Gauteng. This vital role involves ensuring the microbiological integrity of pharmaceutical products and manufacturing environments. You will be responsible for developing and implementing robust environmental monitoring programs, conducting microbial limit testing, sterility testing, and investigating any microbial excursions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pharmaceutical microbiology, a thorough understanding of GMP requirements, and expertise in microbial detection and control strategies. This position in Randburg offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to patient safety and product quality within a reputable organization in the Gauteng province. Our client places a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and a culture of quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive environmental monitoring programs for manufacturing areas.
• Perform microbial enumeration and identification tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Conduct sterility testing for sterile pharmaceutical products and related materials.
• Investigate microbial excursions, out-of-specification (OOS) results, and deviations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Perform bioburden testing and participate in the validation of microbiological methods and processes.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration, qualification, and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, relevant pharmacopoeias (USP, EP), and regulatory guidelines.
• Provide microbiological expertise and support to manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D teams.
• Train junior microbiology staff and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory practices.
• Stay updated on emerging microbiological risks and technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, with a focus on manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of GMP principles and regulatory requirements for microbiological control.
• Hands-on experience with various microbiological techniques, including microbial limit testing, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Proficiency in microbial identification methods and interpretation of results.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document findings clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and sterile manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package with potential annual bonuses and a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. Ample opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, workshops, and conference participation, are provided. The Randburg location offers a dynamic urban setting within Gauteng. Our client cultivates a collaborative and quality-focused work environment that values scientific expertise and individual contributions. Additional benefits may include paid time off, employee assistance programs, and opportunities for career growth. Join a dedicated team contributing to the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products in South Africa.