Senior Microbiologist

ARL Bio Pharma • Oklahoma City, OK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

ARL Bio Pharma is a pharmaceutical testing company known for customer service and quality science. The Senior Microbiologist serves as a subject matter expert with limited oversight, performing advanced microbiology testing on compounded sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals. The role independently troubleshoots complex testing and organizational issues, communicates with clients and internal teams about non-routine testing and company processes, and may be trained to assist with data review.

The position provides mentorship and training to junior laboratory staff and advises supervisors on test outcomes and causes of non-pass results. It also contributes to departmental and business improvements by interpreting results, developing solutions, and recommending best practices. The role may lead less experienced personnel on strategic projects, but has no direct reports.

The position works in a laboratory and requires attendance at the office. Work schedules vary according to assigned group, tasks, and business needs; occasional schedule extensions and weekend work may be necessary. The role involves handling hazardous chemicals, following laboratory safety and quality procedures, and using required protective equipment, which may include a full-face respirator and cleanroom suit.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or an equivalent diploma with four years of experience in a microbiology laboratory setting performing detailed microbiology tests.
• Deep knowledge of microbiology and testing methodology.
• Ability to understand laboratory and scientific equipment and terminology.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data from tests such as sterility, fungal, and endotoxin testing, and investigate results that do not meet expectations.
• Strong organization, time-management, attention-to-detail, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills for interactions with internal and external contacts.
• Digital literacy, including daily use of MS Office applications and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and ability to navigate digital and web-based applications.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, manage multiple controlled samples, and complete time-sensitive tasks.
• Ability to adhere to laboratory safety, quality, and cGMP procedures and handle hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to wear a full-face respirator in addition to standard personal protective equipment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English to communicate clearly and accurately about standard and complex operations and emergencies.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds; objects heavier than 50 pounds require a two-person lift or use of carts.
• Ability to stand and walk for periods of up to five hours, walk between buildings and floors, and perform occasional filing.
• Ability to stand or occasionally sit at a computer or laboratory equipment for extended periods, with intermittent twisting or bending to reach instruments and supplies.
• Hand strength and finger dexterity for grasping and precise equipment manipulation.
• Visual acuity to read and write words and numbers and distinguish colors and shapes, with or without correction; ability to hear communications accurately, with or without correction.
• Ability to use a full-face respirator for extended hours and wear a full cleanroom suit when directed, as required.

Responsibilities

• Complete complex and non-routine microbiology tests on compounded sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals.
• Review Category 2 and 3 bacterial endotoxin tests for compounded sterile preparations and use endotoxin challenge vials to determine whether drug products are non-pyrogenic.
• Review closed and open membrane filtration test data for quality control of sterile testing.
• Isolate microorganisms using techniques such as gram stain reaction, morphology, and metabolic reaction to support identification, testing, and determination of contamination causes.
• Respond promptly and professionally to clients' advanced, non-routine questions involving detailed testing and results, by email or telephone.
• Train, mentor, and coach laboratory personnel on assigned tests and procedures.
• Participate in discussions with cross-department personnel and external agencies regarding advanced technical and operational issues, including sample and project testing, results, and SOP statements.
• Explain testing processes, requirements, and regulations to clients and cross-department personnel.
• Assist Laboratory Associate Supervisors with administrative work and specialty projects as assigned.
• Compile routine and cyclical departmental reports.
• Follow Standard Laboratory Operations, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and cGMP guidelines.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant techniques, technology, industry and departmental methods, terminology, and regulations.
• Manage chemicals classified as toxic, corrosive, flammable, or oxidizing; use and maintain personal protective and laboratory safety equipment; and identify hazards.
• Complete required safety training, including OSHA, departmental SOPs, and company compliance training.
• May be trained to assist with data review.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Matching 401(k) retirement contributions.
• Free lunch daily.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities afforded by an organically growing company.
• Opportunity to work with colleagues and play a key role in making America safer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior