Scientist I - 1 year contract in London

Position Overview: Scientist I in the microbiology laboratory in the Global Testing Laboratories. Responsible for performing microbiological testing, working on a variety of development projects across the different business units. Ensures that all work performed in the microbiology lab conforms to internal procedures, reflects applicable regulations/guidelines and meets industry best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Working within a controlled ISO13485 laboratory quality system and in accordance with GLP/GMP compliant procedures.
• Perform routine microbiological tests to support the development of new medical device products.
• Involvement in the development and validation of new microbiological assays.
• Accurate recording and analysis of laboratory data in accordance with good documentation practices.
• Write validation protocols, reports and technical documents.
• Assist in laboratory test methods/procedural revisions.
• Training of junior staff in basic microbial techniques and procedures.
• Responsible for standard laboratory routines, equipment calibration, maintenance, replenishment etc.
• Assist with the preparation of microbiological media in accordance with documented procedures.
• Assist with routine QC testing of media in line with standard pharmacopeial practices (e.g. growth promotion, sterility).
• Preparation and maintenance of microbial stock cultures.
• Ensure compliance with quality control and laboratory processes and procedures.
• Perform detailed laboratory investigations to determine the root cause for atypical and out of specification results, apply corrective and preventive actions and concise report investigations.
• Write COSHH and risk assessments for laboratory procedures.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in a working microbiology laboratory environment.
• An understanding of the role of microbiological testing within the product development process, particularly as it applies to the development of Medical Devices/Pharmaceuticals.
• Good microbiological and problem-solving skills and demonstrates an understanding of the steps involved in initiating and completing a variety of microbiological tasks to support key R&D projects.
• Consults with senior microbiology staff with regard to priorities; schedules personal duties in order to deliver results on time and in line with departmental objectives.
• Ability to execute experiments in an accurate, effective and timely manner, reporting progress to senior microbiology staff.
• Effectively communicate both oral and written scientific and technical data to peers and managers.
• Ability to use own initiative whilst working as part of a team.
• Demonstrates an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proactive and flexible in adapting to a changing environment and ability to balance multiple, competing priorities to meet objectives.
• Highly motivated, possessing excellent personal attributes as well as being a flexible team member willing to take on a wide variety of tasks.
• A practical, methodical, and flexible approach to working.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate in cross-functional teams, building co-operative working relationships.

Qualifications/Education

• Degree qualified, ideally in Microbiology, Biology or a similar related discipline.
• Knowledge and understanding of compliance with FDA and European regulations relating to Quality Systems (ISO13485:2016, FDA 21 CFR part 820) and GMP Guidelines and Regulations is desirable.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.

Travel Requirements

• Minimal (1-5 days a year)

Working Conditions

• Laboratory/Office Environment
• Working in a laboratory environment with exposure to biological agents, chemicals and reagents.