QC Microbiology Associate Scientist

WuXi Biologics • Dundalk, MD, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 2h ago

As QC Microbiology Associate Scientist, you will be part of various technical projects/activities in the QC Microbiology Group of WuXi Biologics. The site is focused on startup activities involving commissioning and qualification work with aggressive timelines, and potential candidates are required to be flexible in this regard. This also means that potential candidates may be required to carry out additional job functions that are not described in this job description but will be associated with the role.

Organization Description

WuXi Biologics is a premier provider of biologics services (from discovery to commercialization) with global customers in the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries. We are one of the world's top three contract development and manufacturing companies for biopharmaceuticals, providing our clients with a world-leading open access technology platform. We enable our clients to research, develop, and manufacture drugs from the concept phase to commercial manufacturing. Our mission is to accelerate and transform discovery, development, and manufacturing in the rapidly growing field of biologics to benefit patients worldwide. We have sites/offices in China, the US, the EU, and Asia. We currently employ over 10,000 people and provide services to more than 600 customers worldwide, including the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies.

Department Description

As a QC Microbiology Associate Scientist, you’ll be joining an organization where people of all backgrounds and experiences are respected, and where we work together focused on changing lives. In this role, you’ll be reporting to the QC Microbiology Senior Scientist.

Your Responsibilities

Key Specific Start-up Activities:

Ensure the tasks associated with the startup and routine operations of a QC microbiology laboratory are carried out in a safe manner.
Support QC Microbiology lab set-up, including laboratory design and construction queries, equipment installation, and qualification utilizing principles of Operational Excellence and Lean Labs.
Microbial organism identification, supporting facility qualification, cleaning validation, process validation, etc.
Develop and maintain quality systems within the QC Microbiology Laboratory to ensure compliance to cGLP.
Support of the commissioning/qualification activities of utility systems including but not limited to Water systems, Clean Steam, and process gases, including development of sampling strategies.
Aiding in the identification and development of Contract Test laboratories and strategies.
Development of training material for the QC Microbiology Laboratory personnel.
Support microbial method validation and development of routine testing strategies.
Sustaining operations:
Perform QC microbiology routine testing, environmental monitoring, water monitoring, and testing including sterility, endotoxin, bioburden, Biological Indicators, Growth promotion, and routine microbial identification strategies.
Routine monitoring of laboratory KPI’s, stock control of laboratory consumables and reagents, and support for future expansion/upgrade projects.
Support QC Senior scientist in OOS, OOL, microbial contamination, adverse trends, utility and environmental excursion investigations, change controls, and CAPAs tasks.
Author technical documents including methods protocols, qualification/validation protocols and reports, SOPs, etc.
Support Risk Assessments for projects and business innovation initiatives from a microbiological perspective.
Defines specific aseptic techniques to be performed for crucial process steps and provides meaningful input to processing operations as site develops.
Keep abreast of current corporate and regulatory trends and requirements pertaining to laboratory operations and aseptic manufacturing.
Ability to handle regulatory inspections from FDA, EMA, etc. and cGMP audits from clients, as well as internal audits.
Participate in relevant internal and external QC related audits.
Ability to work in a team environment and independently as required.
Perform job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and WuXi Biologics Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
Thorough understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices.
Perform all duties in accordance with GMP requirements, SOPs and controlled documents.
Flexibility to take on additional tasks and responsibilities at the discretion of the QC Director.
Will act as a role model for the QC function and also the wider organization in adherence to the WuXi corporate core values and PROUD culture.

Your Profile

Technical Competencies:

Possesses knowledge of routine and non-routine testing and sampling methods, techniques, and related equipment.
Familiarity with Pharmacopeia testing methods and requirements.
Knowledgeable of FDA/EMEA regulatory requirements applicable to biologics and/or pharmaceuticals; ICH and GMP guidelines is a plus.

Experience

Training/coaching of personnel.
Previous experience in a Quality Control/GMP environment is required.

Knowledge

Knowledge of microbial testing and microbial control in support of biopharmaceutical manufacturing is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

Ph.D. with/without post doc experience or MS in Microbiology or related field is a plus.
Minimum of an honours science degree in a related field is essential.

Behavioural Competencies

Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Comfortable in a fast-paced working environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.

Onerous Requirements

Shift work and business travel may be required for this position as directed by departmental management.

As we extend our global reach, we need colleagues interested in change, in challenge, and in building a new future together. Reach beyond yourself and discover your true potential! If you have the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and feel that the moment has come for you to be part of such an exciting journey towards accomplishing our vision - Any drug can be made, and any disease can be treated - don’t miss out on this opportunity to join us and reach beyond yourself and discover your true potential.

Apply now!

Would you like to know more before you apply? Please visit us at WuXi Biologics Careers or contact us via talentacquisition@wuxibiologics.com.

WuXi Biologics is an equal opportunities employer.

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