Microbiologist I

Why Us?At Par Health, we believe great healthcare is built on getting the essentials right. We’re looking for passionate, talented individuals who share our commitment to improving lives. With 4,000+ team members worldwide, we lead with pride and purpose—prioritizing quality and safety while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and teamwork. Elevating the Essentials isn’t just our tagline, it’s the higher standard we live by every day.Job Description SummaryPerforms Quality laboratory microbiological analyses of materials including water testing, finished product testing, raw material testing, environmental monitoring, method validation, media preparation etc. Participates in investigations. Learns and stays current with regulatory guidance and compendia relevant to laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing.Job DescriptionConducts microbiological analyses: water testing, finished product testing, raw material testing, environmental monitoring, media preparation, method verification and validation, and identification of microorganismsPerforms day-to-day operations of the Microbiology Lab to ensure that cGMPs, GLP’s and all other applicable compendia requirements are met Schedules monitoring and samples for testing/inspection, reviews data and ensures monitoring, testing, and inspection is completed per approved proceduresReviews test data and ensures testing is performed based on approved proceduresMay review testing/inspection results and disposition incoming/in process/finished productMay perform pour plates techniques, membrane filtration, and pure culture isolationRecords results from tests, interprets colony morphology, and accurately maintains laboratory dataElevates questionable sample results, OOS, and aberrant results immediately to Supervisor and recommends corrective actions65%Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)Validates/qualifies test procedures and equipment used for various testing/inspection activities performed by QualityReviews and updates SOPs and procedures for Quality as needed Reviews and comments on the articles affecting Quality in the USP Supplements and Pharmacopeial ForumsOversees maintenance, logbooks, and expiration dates of stock cultures, media, and sterilization documents15%Compliance & InvestigationsMay perform gap assessments for procedures for the various Quality programs (EM, incoming/in process/ finished product Inspection, component/raw material/product review and disposition) to ensure cGMP complianceSupports laboratory investigations of moderate scope and complexity while abiding by GMPs and GLPs Assists in performing microbiological audits of facilitiesFollows internal processes related to controlled substances10%Lab EquipmentMaintains laboratory equipment in clean order; reports equipment problems to SupervisorPerforms laboratory equipment qualificationsLearns to troubleshoot basic instrument problems5%TrainingDemonstrates responsibility in training others in good documentation practice, practical lab skills, and microbiological theories, methodologies and proceduresMaintains assigned training records current and in-compliance5%SafetyFollows EH&S procedures to ensure a safe work environmentFollows all applicable safety and standards guidelines, such as SOPs, cGMP, DEA regulations good documentation practice and/or MSDSQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor of Science degree in microbiology, biology or related field with 2+ years’ relevant microbiology laboratory experience ORMaster of Science degree in above disciplines with 1+ year’ relevant pharmaceutical lab experience preferredKnowledgeProficiency in a body of information required for the job, e.g. knowledge of FDA regulations, GMP/GLP/GCP, Lean Manufacturing, Six-Sigma, etc.Demonstrated proficiency with microbiology techniques and instrumentsDemonstrated competence in conducting microbiological analysesKnowledge of regulatory guidance and compendia relevant to laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturingKnowledge of applicable safety and standards guidelines: SOP, cGMP, GLP, DEA regulations and/or MSDSCompetency in Microsoft Office SuiteKnowledgeable in aseptic techniquesSkills &AbilitiesOften referred to as “competencies”, leadership attributes, skills, abilities or behaviors that may be enterprise, functional or job specific e.g. coaching, negotiation, calibration, technical writing etc.Ability to display and analyze data in a logical mannerGood verbal and written communication skills as well as good computer skillsAttention to details and accurate record keepingAbility to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with othersSolid organizational skillsAbility to take initiative, set priorities and follow through on assignmentsPhysical RequirementsPhysical & mental requirements, e.g. lift 40 pounds, walk across plant/warehouse, business travel (% of time), driving as part of work responsibilities, etc.Extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, climbing/balancing, kneeling/crouching/crawling, looking at monitor for extended periods, moderate noise levels and potential business travel. Work is in an FDA and DEA-regulated pharma lab environment with risk of exposure to various chemicalsMust occasionally lift and/or move up to 15-25 lbs.Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, etc.. Specific visions abilities are required by this job include close vision and color vision.Ability to occasionally tolerate significant differences in temperature and/or humidity for short periods.The work environment is representative of a group laboratory environment. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.EEO StatementWe comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment, and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.