Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead microbiological testing and ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Company: Join a leading company in the pharmaceutical industry focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ensuring product safety and quality in a dynamic field.
- Qualifications: BSc in Microbiology or related field with 5+ years in a regulated environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
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
- QC Microbiology Operations: 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.
- Environmental Monitoring & Contamination Control: 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.
- Investigations, CAPA & Change Control: 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.
- Method Validation, Verification & Transfers: 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.
- Equipment & Laboratory Compliance: Ensure microbiology equipment is qualified, calibrated, and maintained. Manage media (preparation/receipt, growth promotion, inventory). Ensure compliance with biosafety, COSHH, and laboratory safety standards.
- Leadership & Training: 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.
- Quality & Regulatory Readiness: 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 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
✨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 ability to take charge in a senior role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Microbiologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in QC microbiology and any relevant leadership roles. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
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. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in microbiological testing and compliance. We appreciate candidates who can quantify their successes, so if you’ve improved processes or led successful investigations, make sure to mention them!
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. 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 past roles, as this will show your technical expertise.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves providing technical leadership, think of examples where you've led a team or project. Prepare to share how you’ve coached others, managed workloads, or handled deviations. This will highlight your ability to lead and mentor effectively.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions about how you handle out-of-specification (OOS) results or contamination issues. Prepare specific examples of investigations you've led, including the root cause analysis and corrective actions taken. This shows your analytical skills and commitment to quality.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulatory Standards
Understand the relevant pharmacopeial standards and compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure adherence to these standards in your work. This will demonstrate your awareness of the regulatory landscape and its importance in microbiology.
