Associate Quality Control Quality Microbiology, Cell Therapy

AstraZeneca•Rockville, MD

1d•$55,921 - $83,881•Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will support routine microbiological quality control activities such as Rapid Sterility, Mycoplasma, Bioburden, Endotoxin, Growth Promotion, and Cell Aliquoting under approved methods and cGMP/GDP expectations. You will also perform environmental monitoring in classified GMP spaces, including non-viable and viable air sampling and surface viable sampling, while supporting aseptic processing areas. Additional responsibilities include incubation and enumeration of media plates and samples, processing plates for microbial identification through external laboratories, operating laboratory instruments in accordance with SOPs, and documenting data accurately in electronic systems following ALCOA+ principles. This position also supports lab housekeeping, inventory management, sample logistics, investigations, and ongoing analyst training and qualification. This role will support the schedule of Wednesday thru Sat shift with 4 / 10 hour days each week.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, or a related discipline with 2 years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 6 months of experience
Ability to work on-site in a lab-based and cleanroom environment
Understanding of core cGMP concepts, Good Documentation Practices, and laboratory compliance
Ability to follow SOPs precisely, maintain accurate records, and escalate discrepancies in a timely manner
Willingness and ability to become gown certified for Grade D, C, and B environments
Flexibility to support the Wednesday to Saturday shift across four 10-hour days

Nice To Haves

Experience in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or related academic setting
Exposure to QC microbiology, cGMP environments, or regulated documentation
Familiarity with LIMS systems such as MODA, 1Lab, or similar platforms
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams in a dynamic, evolving environment
Enthusiasm for learning new technical skills and expanding responsibilities over time

Responsibilities

Support routine microbiological quality control activities such as Rapid Sterility, Mycoplasma, Bioburden, Endotoxin, Growth Promotion, and Cell Aliquoting under approved methods and cGMP/GDP expectations.
Perform environmental monitoring in classified GMP spaces, including non-viable and viable air sampling and surface viable sampling, while supporting aseptic processing areas.
Incubate and enumerate media plates and samples.
Process plates for microbial identification through external laboratories.
Operate laboratory instruments in accordance with SOPs.
Document data accurately in electronic systems following ALCOA+ principles.
Support lab housekeeping, inventory management, sample logistics, investigations, and ongoing analyst training and qualification.