QC Microbiology Scientist
As a QC Microbiology Scientist, you will be part of the various technical projects/activities in the QC Microbiology Group of WuXi Biologics. The site is focused on startup activities involving commissioning and qualification work with aggressive timelines and potential candidates are required to be flexible in this regard. This also means that potential candidates may be required to carry out additional job functions that are not described in this job description but will be associated with the role.
Organisation Description
WuXi Biologics is a premier provider of biologics services (from discovery to commercialization) with global customers in the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries. We´re one of the world's top three contract development and manufacturing companies for biopharmaceuticals, we provide our clients with a world-leading open access technology platform. We enable our clients to research, develop and manufacture drugs from the concept phase to commercial manufacturing. Our mission is to accelerate and transform discovery, development, and manufacturing in the rapidly growing field of biologics to benefit patients worldwide. We have sites/offices in China, the US, the EU and Asia. We currently employ over 15,000 people and provide services to more than 600 customers worldwide, including the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies.
Department Description
As a QC Microbiology Scientist, you’ll be joining an organization where people of all backgrounds and experiences are respected, and where we work together focused on changing lives. In this role, you’ll be reporting to the QC Microbiology Team Lead.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific Start up activities:
- Ensure the tasks associated with the startup and routine operations of a QC Microbiology laboratory are carried out in a safe manner.
- Support QC Microbiology lab set-up, including laboratory design and construction queries, equipment installation and qualification utilizing principles of Operational Excellence and Lean Labs.
- Microbial organism identification, supporting facility qualification, cleaning validation, process validation, etc.
- Develop and maintain quality systems within the QC Microbiology Laboratory to ensure compliance to cGLP.
- Support of the commissioning/qualification activities of utility systems including but not limited to Water systems, Clean Steam and process gases, including development of sampling strategies.
- Aiding in the identification and development of Contract Test laboratories and strategies.
- Development of training material for the QC Microbiology Laboratory personnel.
- Support and lead microbial method validation and development of routine testing strategies.
- Perform additional duties at the request of the direct manager.
Sustaining operations:
- Perform QC microbiology routine testing, environmental monitoring, water monitoring, and testing including, sterility, endotoxin, bioburden, Biological Indicators, Growth promotion and routine microbial identification strategies.
- Routine monitoring of laboratory KPI’s, stock control of laboratory consumables and reagents and support for future expansion/upgrade projects.
- Support QC Senior scientist in OOS, OOL, microbial contamination, adverse trends, utility and environmental excursion investigations, change controls, and CAPAs tasks.
- Author technical documents including methods protocols, qualification/ validation protocols and reports, SOPs, etc.
- Support Risk Assessments for projects and business innovation initiatives from a microbiological perspective.
- Defines specific aseptic techniques to be performed for crucial process steps and provides meaningful input to processing operations as site develops.
- Keep abreast of current corporate and regulatory trends and requirements pertaining to laboratory operations and aseptic manufacturing.
- Provide effective communication and play a leading role in project management interaction with internal and external clients such as Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Analytical Development.
- Develop and maintain high level of scientific achievements for the company; expected to be a point of contact for project coordination, including email and client meetings.
- Ability to handle regulatory inspections from FDA, EMA, etc. and cGMP audits from clients, as well as internal audits.
- Participate in relevant internal and external QC related audits.
- Ability to work in a team environment and independently as required
- Perform job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and WuXi Biologics Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Thorough understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices
- Perform all duties in accordance with GMP requirements, SOPs and controlled documents
- Flexibility to take on additional tasks and responsibilities at the discretion of the QC Microbiology Senior Scientist.
- Will act as a role model for the QC function and also the wider organisation in adherence to the WuXi corporate core values and PROUD culture.
Person Specification
Technical Competencies
- Knowledge of routine and non-routine testing and sampling methods, techniques and related equipment.
- Familiarity with Pharmacopeia testing methods and requirements.
- Knowledgeable of FDA/EMEA regulatory requirements applicable to biologics and/or pharmaceuticals; ICH and GMP guidelines desirable.
- Experience with regulatory/customer audits is desirable.
Experience/Knowledge
- 5+ years’ experience in a large-scale Biopharmaceutical/pharmaceutical facility.
- Experience with facility start-up projects (brown field or green field) is desirable.
- Experience in Training/coaching of personnel.
- Previous experience in a Quality Control/GMP environment is required.
- Knowledge of microbial testing and microbial control in support of biopharmaceutical manufacturing is preferred but not required.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. with/without post doc experience or MS in Microbiology or related field is desirable.
- Minimum of an honour’s science degree in a related field with 5+ years relative experience is essential.
Behavioural Competencies
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced working environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
- Collaborative and inclusive approach to work and your colleagues.
- Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Flexible approach to work and a positive attitude will be a good fit within the team dynamic.
- Engage cross functionally in conjunction with a site-based team.
- Autonomous and a self-starter who will use their initiative to drive actions forward.
- Demonstrate strong ethics in adhering to company procedures and policies, regulatory standards, and our customers’ expectations
Onerous requirements
- Shift work and business travel may be required for this position as directed by departmental management.
As we extend our global reach, we need colleagues interested in change, in challenge, and in building a new future together. Reach beyond yourself and discover your true potential!
Would you like to know more before you apply? Please visit us at https://www.wuxibiologics.com/join-us/ or contact us via [email protected]
WuXi Biologics is an equal opportunities employer.
