Senior Microbiologist

Role Responsibility

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Stay abreast of developments in the field through training, reading of literature, documentation and the like
• Provide technical expertise to identify and facilitate the update of methodologies and best practices
• Ensure microbiological best practices are adhered to for all site projects and in particular those which implement new equipment, technology, analytical methods, processes or materials
• Stimulating safe working and continuous improvement of the quality culture
• Support continuous improvement program throughout the company
• Cross functional collaboration to ensure the day-to-day management of the departmental process, to ensure that common goals are met, plans are established and implemented, to meet product delivery requirements
• Support the generation of resource plans
• Leading, coaching, training and motivating Microbiologists as well as conducting PDR, development interviews, etc.
• Participate in operational work meetings and internal quality meetings
• Perform out-of-specification investigations, environmental excursion investigations and deviations per company procedures
• Develop and validate testing methods used in routine analysis of incoming raw materials and finished products
• Assist in writing validation protocols, project reports, updating laboratory documentation, SOPs, and test methods
• Provide strategic influence to the site to help ensure good practices are implemented and maintained in the manufacturing areas
• Provide microbiological expertise during the planning and introduction of new procedures, new products and process improvements
• Perform quality assessments on the microbiological performance related to utilities, HVAC, bioburden and environmental monitoring in support of batch release by the QP
• Lead the investigations on microbiology related excursions, and provide support to production, quality control and quality assurance groups during investigations
• Other special projects (i.e. Disinfectant Efficacy study)
• Approve of monthly microbiology and environmental monitoring trend reports of production areas and utilities
• Liaise with the QC microbiologists on the microbiological trending programme and corrective actions
• Devise and provide technical training and underpinning knowledge training to manufacturing and analytical departments to improve microbiological knowledge and understanding
• Represent the company at regulatory inspections (including FDA and MHRA) and respond to questions
• Prepare and review regulatory documentation (CMC) and respond to information requests from agencies
• All other tasks that can reasonably be requested and approved by the management
• Ensure both your own health and safety and that of others, ensure that all company safety and quality systems and relevant legislation are complied with, ask questions and report any incidents or suggestions to the manager;
• Ensure that all waste is safely removed and is in line with business processes
• Sample facilities and utilities using active air, settle plates, contact plates, swabs and rinses
• Execute microbiological tests including (but not limited to): Water testing (LAL & Membrane filtration), Bioburden testing, Environmental monitoring
• Dispersion testing using a microscope
• Perform analysis for process, product, cleaning and equipment validation studies
• Conduct analysis for stability studies and method transfer.
• Co-ordinate, prepare and dispatch samples to external laboratories for analysis.
• Mange third party laboratory results.
• Perform regular maintenance and minor repairs, keeping clean and calibrating equipment, materials and spaces.
• Manage inventory and orders of microbiological stock, consumer goods and parts of equipment.

The Ideal Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• ‘Due to the nature of our business, all successful candidates will be required to complete a basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) before employment can commence, and at regular intervals during employment. This check will be paid for by Dechra.’ 
• Strong knowledge of USP, EU, and ISO regulations is a must
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical GMP quality control laboratory
• Knowledge of Microbiological testing such as LAL, Membrane Filtration, bioburden, environmental monitoring, Dispersion, Use of a Microscope, Gram staining, Incubation of samples.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment to be used

About the Company

Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

We are a global leader in veterinary endocrinology and topical dermatology, have a broad portfolio of analgesia, anaesthetics and products for the treatment of pain, and are also recognised as innovators in other specialisations such as the treatment of equine lameness, nutrition and differentiated generics. 

We deliver high quality products and services to veterinarians worldwide through our employees and a network of third parties to sustainably improve global animal health and welfare.

Everything we do is underpinned by our Culture and Values. They are important to us and have helped drive the Group’s success.