Quality Lab Associate I, Microbiology

Baxter International Inc.•Round Lake, IL

1d•$68,000 - $93,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Lab Associate I, Microbiology primarily supports Microbiology Laboratory operations at Baxter’s Round Lake Manufacturing facility in Round Lake, Illinois. The position supports biological testing of pharmaceutical products, including biologics and drugs, throughout manufacturing—from incoming raw materials and in-process samples to finished products. It also includes environmental and critical systems microbiological monitoring. The role works under minimum supervision and may involve work in both Drug Delivery and Penicillin facilities as needed. This is a first-shift position scheduled Tuesday through Saturday. Occasional off-shift and holiday work is required. The associate contributes to laboratory and manufacturing quality, supports improvement projects, maintains compliance with company procedures and applicable regulations, and helps ensure data integrity and safe, organized laboratory operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or equivalent, with biology or microbiology laboratory-setting coursework.
0–2 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Basic biology and microbiology knowledge, including aseptic technique.
Must not be allergic to penicillin, cephalosporin, or their related products and minerals.
Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently and in a timely manner.
Detail-oriented and conscientious, with high reading comprehension skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude in a highly dynamic environment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of GLP and pharmaceutical aseptic processing cGMP requirements.

Responsibilities

Participate in team functions that affect production, increase efficiency, solve problems, generate cost savings, and improve quality.
Support improvement projects and drive efficiency using LEAN management principles, including 5S and Kaizens.
Communicate progress and issues proactively with peers and management, and recommend solutions when issues arise.
Conduct biological testing on raw materials, initial, in-process, and final products, as well as samples collected through environmental monitoring programs.
Perform sterility or endotoxin testing of final product.
Conduct routine facility environmental monitoring of surfaces, air, particulates, and personnel, and critical systems monitoring of water, clean steam, process compressed air, and nitrogen.
Prepare media and reagents used in the laboratory.
Use laboratory instruments and computer systems to collect and record data.
Monitor inventory of supplies, equipment, reagents, and media; order, receive, and stock supplies as needed.
Perform routine preventative maintenance activities.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory and complete regular housekeeping activities.
Author laboratory investigations and procedures, and revise laboratory procedures.
Perform laboratory and manufacturing audits as required; audit and update plant SOPs as required.
Prepare numerical and graphical data and trend analyses for monthly and quarterly quality system reports.
Maintain data integrity and comply with company SOPs and specifications, FDA, QSR, and cGMP regulations.
Understand and follow Baxter SOPs and policies on cGMPs and safety.
Contribute to other laboratory tasks and projects as assigned.
Work in Drug Delivery and Penicillin facilities as needed.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage starting on day one.
Basic life, accident, short-term disability, long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employee contribution options and company matching.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Educational assistance programs.
Paid holidays.
Paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service.
Family and medical leaves of absence.
Paid parental leave.
Commuting benefits.
Employee Discount Program.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Childcare benefits.
The position may be eligible for discretionary bonuses.