Quality Control Microbiologist

Revance•Johnson City, TN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs routine microbiological quality control testing of cosmetic products, OTC products, and related materials in accordance with site policies, departmental procedures, compendial methods, and cGMP regulations. The role learns and performs testing of raw materials, in-process and finished products, and stability samples; records and reports test results; and escalates unusual results, trends, deviations, and problems to supervision or laboratory management for evaluation. The position also supports departmental objectives and related microbiological tasks. The microbiologist learns to maintain the Microbiology Laboratory, including the maintenance, calibration, and use of standard laboratory equipment. The role follows regulatory, company, and compendial requirements, maintains a neat and orderly workspace, adheres to laboratory disinfection policies, participates in inventory control, and assists appropriate staff with Laboratory Investigation Reports. The employee is expected to develop practical laboratory skills and knowledge of microbiological theories, methods, procedures, and applicable cGMP, cGLP, safety, health, security, and departmental policies. This is an onsite laboratory position in Johnson City, Tennessee. The laboratory environment includes routine laboratory work with testing and safety equipment. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and handle general laboratory chemicals using proper safety equipment. Noise is usually moderate. The job profile notes that duties and requirements may change and that other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related science field.
Basic understanding of microbiology and awareness of the importance of aseptic technique in testing.
Ability to communicate testing and special-project status effectively to other departments and management.
Ability to read and understand compendial methods, SOPs, technical procedures, and applicable regulations, and to write scientific reports, business correspondence, and departmental procedures.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, compute rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret graphs.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and interpret technical instructions involving mathematical or diagrammatic forms and abstract and concrete variables.
Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and internet tools.
Ability to accurately perform tests, document data, analyze information, and follow laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
Ability to understand and practice microbial aseptic techniques, operate and maintain standard laboratory instrumentation, and apply mathematical and statistical concepts.
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical personnel.
Professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, dependability, adaptability, initiative, organizational support, and regular, punctual attendance.
Commitment to quality policies, high-quality analytical work, and laboratory safety and security procedures.
Occasionally stand, walk, or sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors.

Nice To Haves

Two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience or training, is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Perform routine microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and stability samples under approved specifications and SOPs.
Perform applicable antibiotic testing, bioburden or microbial limit testing, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, water testing, and microbial isolation and identification techniques.
Complete testing efficiently, reliably, and accurately.
Learn to maintain the Microbiology Laboratory, including maintaining, calibrating, and using standard laboratory equipment.
Log samples received by the laboratory and assess their integrity upon receipt.
Perform assigned work in a timely and safe manner in accordance with regulatory, company, and compendial requirements.
Record and report test data correctly, completely, and accurately; notify supervision of unusual results for evaluation.
Develop practical laboratory skills and knowledge of microbiological theories, methodologies, and procedures.
Follow company and departmental policies and guidelines concerning cGMP, cGLP, safety, health, security, and departmental operations.
Recognize and promptly communicate job-related problems, trends, and deviations to supervision or laboratory management; follow directions and exercise proper judgment when deviations occur.
Assist appropriate staff with initiating Laboratory Investigation Reports (LIRs).
Participate in inventory control and maintain a neat, orderly workspace in accordance with laboratory disinfection policies.
Participate in and assist with microbiology-related departmental tasks.