Senior Microbiologist

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

Step into a high-impact Senior Microbiologist role at the heart of pharmaceutical manufacturing, where your expertise directly safeguards patient safety and product quality. You’ll be the go‑to specialist on site, applying advanced microbiological knowledge to product testing, the cleanroom and production environment, and key quality systems — ensuring every batch meets the strict demands of cGMP, GLP, Data Integrity and Microbiological Investigation Procedures, and enabling confident, timely product release.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you’ll own your projects and consistently hit daily and weekly deadlines, while acting as a senior leader within the Microbiology team. You’ll assign and monitor tasks for other Microbiology staff, support robust environmental and utility monitoring programmes, and partner closely with the Microbiology Supervisor on workload review, reporting, and cross‑site communication in line with the relevant Pharmacopoeia. This is a role where your technical judgement shapes manufacturing decisions — and the data you generate helps get life‑changing medicines to patients.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead microbiology operations to the highest standards of cGMP, GLP, ALCOA+ Data Integrity and laboratory safety, setting the benchmark for compliant, reliable testing.
• Own site-wide microbiological monitoring — overseeing sampling and analysis of environments, water systems, raw materials, products and stability samples using Pharmacopoeial methods.
• Interpret complex data, drive timely certificates of analysis and LIMS entry, and lead investigations through to robust, well-documented conclusions.
• Spot risks and opportunities in processes, methods and data, championing validation, method improvement and continuous improvement across the lab.
• Act as a senior technical and people leader — mentoring Microbiology staff, balancing workloads and deputising for the Microbiology Supervisor while keeping plans on track.
• Be a visible microbiology expert across the site, presenting clear data and regulatory positions, maintaining a controlled aseptic environment, and living company values in every interaction.

What We Are Looking For

• Degree in Microbiology or a related science.
• Solid hands-on lab experience in microbiology.
• Strong grounding in GMP, ideally with QRM and ALCOA+ Data Integrity, with proven experience in controlled aseptic lab environments.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, with the confidence to work independently and drive your own workload (NB this role doesn’t include people management).
• Practical knowledge of Pharmacopoeial microbiology methods, and comfortable using LIMS and Excel for data management.
• Sharp analytical thinker and problem solver, able to interpret complex datasets and resolve method or equipment issues.
• Clear, organised communicator and collaborative team player, with meticulous record keeping and strong time management.

How we care for you

At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.
• On-site subsidised canteen.
• Health benefits provided through our Medicash Health Cash Plan.
• Free winter flu jab.
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.
• Electric Car Scheme through Octopus Energy, plus free on-site EV charging.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced Family Leave.
• Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.