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- Tasks: Lead microbiological testing and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Company: Join a leading company in the pharmaceutical industry focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in quality control and contribute to public health.
- Qualifications: BSc in Microbiology or related field with 5+ years in QC microbiology.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for leadership and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Senior Microbiologist provides technical leadership and daily oversight of microbiological activities within the Quality Control department. The role ensures that products, utilities, and manufacturing environments meet required microbiological standards, supporting GMP compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or perform routine microbiological testing according to approved methods (e.g., bioburden, microbial limits, EM, water/utility testing).
- Plan and prioritise workloads to meet production and release timelines.
- Review, verify, and approve microbiology data with a strong focus on data integrity.
- Identify and escalate OOS/OOT or atypical results promptly.
- Oversee the site environmental monitoring (EM) programme including sampling plans, trending, and excursion management.
- Support contamination control strategy activities such as risk assessments, disinfectant strategy, and gowning/behavioural controls.
- Lead microbiology-related deviations, OOS/OOT investigations, and root cause analysis.
- Define and track CAPAs, ensuring timely closure and effectiveness checks.
- Contribute to change controls, risk assessments, and changes to methods or materials.
- Design and execute method validation, verification, robustness, and transfer activities.
- Ensure alignment with pharmacopeial standards (BP, Ph. Eur., USP).
- Maintain method lifecycle control and drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure microbiology equipment is qualified, calibrated, and maintained.
- Manage media (preparation/receipt, growth promotion, inventory).
- Ensure compliance with biosafety, COSHH, and laboratory safety standards.
- Provide technical supervision and coaching for microbiology staff.
- Support hiring, onboarding, and skills development within the team.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date training documentation and competency records.
- Maintain SOPs, protocols, and controlled documents relating to microbiology.
- Support audits and regulatory inspections, providing metrics and evidence as required.
- Promote a strong quality culture and continuous improvement mindset.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
- BSc or higher in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, or equivalent.
- Typically, 5+ years' experience in a GMP/regulated QC microbiology environment.
- Strong knowledge of QC microbiology methods and laboratory quality systems.
- Experience leading deviations, OOS/OOT investigations, and CAPA processes.
- Skilled in SOP writing/review and training team members.
Senior Microbiologist in Birmingham employer: Next Phase Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Next Phase Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Microbiologist in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the microbiology field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your experience with QC microbiology methods. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in areas like investigations or CAPA processes. This will demonstrate your fit for the Senior Microbiologist role.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Microbiologist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Microbiologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in QC microbiology and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about microbiology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's leading successful investigations or improving processes, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Phase Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Microbiology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your microbiological knowledge, especially the methods mentioned in the job description like bioburden and microbial limits. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Microbiologist, you'll be expected to lead and train others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in a GMP environment. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions about OOS/OOT investigations and CAPA processes. Think of specific instances where you identified issues and led investigations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant pharmacopeial standards and compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured adherence to these standards in your past work, as this will demonstrate your commitment to quality and regulatory readiness.
