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- Tasks: Conduct microbiological quality control testing to ensure product safety and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading global biopharmaceutical organisation in the life sciences sector.
- Benefits: Gain industry experience, full training, competitive pay, and holiday benefits.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with strong career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in quality control while developing your career in microbiology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Microbiology or Biomedical Science; lab experience preferred.
You'll be joining a leading global biopharmaceutical organisation within the life sciences sector, known for producing high‑quality microbiology and diagnostics products. The site operates within a highly regulated GMP environment and supports global manufacturing, quality, and product release activities.
As a QC Associate Scientist within the Microbiology team, you'll be carrying out microbiological quality control testing to ensure products meet safety and compliance standards. This includes antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), disc testing, media preparation, autoclave operation, data recording through SAP, supporting OOS investigations, completing equipment checks, maintaining GMP documentation, and participating in daily Tier meetings.
What you'll need to succeed:
- A degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Biomedical Science.
- Practical microbiology laboratory experience.
- Ability to follow SOPs and work within GMP/GLP guidelines.
- Strong attention to detail and confidence in recording accurate QC data.
- A proactive, organised, and reliable approach to laboratory work.
- Willingness to work hands‑on within a fast‑paced production‑support environment.
- Experience or knowledge of AST would be highly advantageous, but though not essential.
Must have full Right to Work in the UK for the entire contract. No sponsorship can be provided for this role.
What you'll get in return:
- The opportunity to gain industry experience within a global biopharmaceutical organisation.
- Full training and support from an experienced QC team.
- Competitive hourly rate with holiday pay included.
- Exposure to GMP, OOS investigations, SAP systems, AST testing, and core QC microbiology techniques.
- Experience that will significantly strengthen your long‑term career prospects in QC, microbiology, or broader life sciences roles.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
QC Associate Scientist in Reading employer: Hays Life Sciences
Contact Detail:
Hays Life Sciences Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land QC Associate Scientist in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biopharmaceutical sector on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there and show your passion for microbiology.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of GMP and GLP guidelines. Be ready to discuss how your practical experience aligns with the role, especially around quality control testing and data recording.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your attention to detail! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've maintained accuracy in your lab work or handled OOS investigations. This will demonstrate your reliability and proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace QC Associate Scientist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your microbiology and laboratory experience. We want to see how your skills match the QC Associate Scientist role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or coursework!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role involves a lot of data recording and compliance with GMP guidelines, we recommend you emphasise your meticulous nature. Include examples where you've successfully followed SOPs or maintained accurate records in previous roles.
Be Proactive in Your Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. We love seeing candidates who are proactive, so share why you're excited about working in a fast-paced production-support environment and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Life Sciences
✨Know Your Microbiology Basics
Brush up on your microbiology knowledge, especially around quality control testing and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these concepts in previous roles or during your studies.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GMP Guidelines
Since the role operates within a GMP environment, it’s crucial to understand Good Manufacturing Practices. Review key principles and be prepared to explain how you would ensure compliance in your work.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples that highlight your strong attention to detail, especially in data recording and maintaining documentation. You might want to mention specific instances where your meticulousness made a difference in a project.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that involve practical scenarios related to microbiological testing and OOS investigations. Think through how you would approach these situations and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.