Microbiologist I

Nutramax Laboratories•Lancaster, SC

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Control Microbiologist I (QCM I) reports to Quality Control (QC) Management. The QCM will perform release testing on finished products following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in-house test methods. The QCM will be responsible for submitting sample to contract labs as necessary with appropriate documentation. The QCM I will follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) documentation guidelines to record all procedures in a timely fashion. The analyst will be responsible for reporting the results of analyses on finished product Certificates of Analysis (COAs). The QCM will be responsible for the documentation of all routine and non-routine microbiological testing performed on raw materials, finished products, and special request samples weather performed in-house or by the certified contract laboratory. (S)he will initiate Investigation reports for out of specification (OOS) laboratory data when necessary. The QCM will perform evaluation/ validation testing on Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. finished products and raw materials following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), in-house test methods, and industry guidelines. (S)he will be responsible for the execution of Evaluation Protocols as well as Evaluation/ Validation Reports and Summaries, following Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) documentation guidelines, to be presented to QC and Upper Management. The QCM will be knowledgeable of the collection of Environmental Monitoring (EM) samples, following QCM SOPs, as needed to meet the needs or goals of the company. (S)he will be familiar with the operation of both the APC Airborne Particle Counter and the SAS Air Sampler, and will be proficient in the use and handling of media plates for EM sampling. The QCM is responsible for the scrutiny, documentation, and interpretation of EM results. (S)he must communicate EM trends and findings to QC, Manufacturing, or Packaging Management, as appropriate. The QCM will provide input for the improvement of existing SOPs, test methods, and other protocols and policies throughout the Micro Laboratory. (S)he will also be involved in implementing new procedures within the laboratory and the authoring of new SOPs, as appropriate. The QCM will review and sign off on reports and Certificates of Analysis (C of As) generated by other QC personnel. The QCM will have a good understanding of all equipment and methods used throughout the QCM Laboratory, including but not limited to the following instrumentation: Laboratory Balances, Biolumix Rapid Microbiology Systems, Autoclave, Incubators, Stomacher, Microscope, and the Bio-Safety Hood. This individual will be required to troubleshoot his or her own analyses or experiments, and to draw conclusions with sound scientific judgment. The QCM will also assist other analysts in the Laboratory with troubleshooting as problems arise with instrumentation or with other microbiological analyses. The QCM will assist in developing and executing test methods for the analysis and QC testing of microbiological media (Growth Promotion) for suitability and the interpretation of growth (organism identification) from samples and controls. The QCM will assist in gathering information and data for product or situation investigations relevant to the QCM Laboratory or to Quality Control (QC) as a whole. The QCM will assist in training new laboratory personnel. All training performed under the supervision of the QCM will be documented in accordance with established SOPs and the Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. training program. The QCM will maintain a safe working environment and will ensure that all equipment used in the testing procedures is calibrated and properly maintained. The QCM will provide assistance, as needed, to the QC Chemistry Laboratory with any chemistry application of which (s)he is knowledgeable and trained. Must be able to effectively communicate with other department and function within a team environment. Performance of other duties may be required for meeting company goals.

Requirements

Two or more years of laboratory experience in a cGMP facility.
Experience with the proper operation of laboratory instrumentation.
Experience with troubleshooting.
Experience with the generation and revision of SOPs.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Ability to interact with all levels of personnel.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the operation of both the APC Airborne Particle Counter and the SAS Air Sampler.
Proficiency in the use and handling of media plates for EM sampling.
Knowledge of the collection of Environmental Monitoring (EM) samples.
Good understanding of all equipment and methods used throughout the QCM Laboratory, including but not limited to: Laboratory Balances, Biolumix Rapid Microbiology Systems, Autoclave, Incubators, Stomacher, Microscope, and the Bio-Safety Hood.
Familiarity with the Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. training program.

Responsibilities

Perform release testing on finished products following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in-house test methods.
Submit samples to contract labs as necessary with appropriate documentation.
Follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) documentation guidelines to record all procedures in a timely fashion.
Report the results of analyses on finished product Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
Document all routine and non-routine microbiological testing performed on raw materials, finished products, and special request samples.
Initiate Investigation reports for out of specification (OOS) laboratory data when necessary.
Perform evaluation/ validation testing on finished products and raw materials.
Execute Evaluation Protocols as well as Evaluation/ Validation Reports and Summaries.
Collect Environmental Monitoring (EM) samples.
Operate the APC Airborne Particle Counter and the SAS Air Sampler.
Use and handle media plates for EM sampling.
Scrutinize, document, and interpret EM results.
Communicate EM trends and findings to QC, Manufacturing, or Packaging Management.
Provide input for the improvement of existing SOPs, test methods, and other protocols and policies.
Implement new procedures within the laboratory and author new SOPs.
Review and sign off on reports and Certificates of Analysis (C of As) generated by other QC personnel.
Troubleshoot own analyses or experiments and draw conclusions with sound scientific judgment.
Assist other analysts in the Laboratory with troubleshooting instrumentation or microbiological analyses.
Assist in developing and executing test methods for the analysis and QC testing of microbiological media (Growth Promotion).
Assist in gathering information and data for product or situation investigations.
Assist in training new laboratory personnel.
Maintain a safe working environment.
Ensure all equipment used in testing procedures is calibrated and properly maintained.
Provide assistance to the QC Chemistry Laboratory with any chemistry application of which (s)he is knowledgeable and trained.
Effectively communicate with other departments and function within a team environment.
Perform other duties as required for meeting company goals.