Microbiologist

Basic qualifications: 

Degree in microbiology or a related biological subject

Preferred qualifications: 
 

Details: 

Microbiologist

We are a science-led global healthcare company that researches and develops a broad range of innovative medicines and brands. Our products are used by millions of people around the world, helping them to do more, feel better and live longer. Employing close to 100,000 people globally, we have 87 manufacturing sites around the world.
Our pharmaceuticals business researches, develops and makes available medicines that treat a variety of serious and chronic diseases. We have medicines available or in development in a wide range of areas including:
• infectious diseases 
• cancer 
• epilepsy 
• heart disease 
• asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
• HIV/AIDS 

Ware Manufacturing Site:
Medicines at Ware are presented as either Respiratory devices or in Oral Solid Dose form. The site holds a unique position in our network as the only site responsible for launching the company’s pipeline of new medicines in these dose forms, many of which are life saving medicines. A series of investments in new state-of-the-art equipment are being made that will support the delivery of a record number of new products. This must be achieved whilst consistently delivering outstanding quality, service and value to our patients.

Microbiologist for the Quality Assurance Department, Ware
The Quality Assurance Department independently ensures that all aspects of the manufacture of products are performed in a controlled manner and meet commitments to international regulatory bodies as well as the requirements of current Good Manufacturing Practice.  The laboratories, working as part of the Site Value Streams, will assure that manufactured products are compliant and fit for purpose.  
The Microbiologist will be responsible for:  
• Performs analysis/collection of samples and supports process or environmental monitoring, using a range of microbial/chemical techniques. 
• Prepares and checks analytical data accurately according to company, customer and regulatory requirements.
• Assesses the quality and accuracy of results and determines if material meets pre-defined acceptance criteria.
• Undertakes analysis as required to support process investigations or as part of process qualification and validation exercises.
• Is responsible for assigned items of Laboratory equipment or 5S standards.
• Is responsible for the safety of self and others within the Laboratory.
• Carry out testing using appropriate aseptic techniques.
• Analyses samples according to pre-defined test methods, specifications or Pharmacopoeia.  Ensures analytical records are accurate, clearly laid-out, legible, and recorded at the time of the task.
• Supports value streams in identifying and implementing corrective actions and increasing knowledge of good hygiene and microbial control practices
• Is responsible for ensuring that Laboratory work areas maintain high standards of housekeeping and meet local requirements such as 5S.
• Responsible for ensuring own work is right first time.
• Responsible for maintenance and calibration of Laboratory equipment as assigned by Team Manager.
• Checks analytical data/worksheets for accuracy and compliance and ensures correct methodology has been used.   
• Ensures documentation associated with own areas of responsibility, such as equipment records, are current and audit ready at all times.
• Responsible for ensuring equipment used is calibrated, validated and fit for use.  Deficiencies are resolved promptly in consultation with the responsible person or expert user.
• Analysis is undertaken safely and compliantly, meeting all required standards of EHS legislation and GMP, such as COSHH, Risk Assessments and DSE.
• Ensures sample solutions, standards and test media are used within expiry dates, or re-evaluated as appropriate
• Has awareness of change control processes and need to control changes.
• May be required to review and approve batch data within corporate IT systems.  
• Keep up to date records to show status of batch testing.  For example, may maintain Planning boards.
• Is aware of Lean Sigma Tools and principles of Operational Excellence, the Quality Management System and management principals, and relates these to own tasks and objectives.
• Routinely works with little guidance and to a high standard of technical competency.
• May be required to write procedures or guidelines for the use of analytical equipment and to describe Laboratory working practices.
• Participates in audits of Laboratory systems, in inspection readiness activities and preparation for external audits.
• Handles or disposes of hazardous materials safely and in accordance with procedures.
• Attends training courses, team meetings and briefings, contributing assertively, completing assigned actions in an agreed timeframe.  Provides feedback on the outcome of any actions and any further learning points.
• Responsible for identifying Out of Specification and Atypical results and will participate in Laboratory Investigations, consulting with other departments where necessary
• Always contributes positively to team or department.  Shares learnings and best practices, seeks and shares feedback.  Understands how own objectives and behaviours will contribute to the team achieving its goals. Able to influence other team members
• Responsible for planning own workload and completes tasks to deadlines as agreed with Team Manager
• Will be required to adjust work plans due to changing priorities.
• Maintains effective relationship with staff in other departments
• Has a keen eye for detail and is readily able to identify procedural or GMP errors.
• Is able to communicate effectively with colleagues, both in writing and verbally.



Basic experience/ qualifications required:
• Microbiology degree or degree in a related biological discipline (with microbiology content) or equivalent
• Is proficient in the use of numerous Laboratory instruments, software packages and microbiological techniques.
• Is proficient in problem solving and may have expertise in troubleshooting equipment.
• Good organisational skills
• Experience in Environmental Monitoring and Microbial Limit Testing
• Good aseptic technique
• Understands microbial control requirements of dosage forms
• Is computer literate and competent in the use of Microsoft packages.

Preferred experience/ qualifications:
• May have experience of equipment or method validation
• Basic understanding of water systems 
• Experience of various microbiological identification techniques
• Experience in laboratory investigations


Applicants must demonstrate in their application how they meet the above criteria in order to be successful for interview selection.

Closing date for applications: 14th October, 2016

When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the on-line application to clearly describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter will be used to assess your application.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.

Contact information: 

You may apply for this position online by selecting the Apply now button.