Scientist/Associate Scientist, Analytical Sciences (Microbiology)

Licensed sponsor Liverpool Posted 1 day ago

Job Introduction

Position: Scientist/Associate Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Location: Liverpool

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 29,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the UK, US, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

The role

We are looking for a practical and motivated Scientist or Associate Scientist to join our QC Microbiology team in Liverpool on a 12-month fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover. The final appointment level will depend on the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience.

This is a hands-on laboratory role focused primarily on routine microbiological testing in support of our facility and the biological products manufactured at the site. Your work will include water system monitoring and product testing by membrane filtration, LAL testing, Environmental Monitoring and Identification ensuring that testing is completed accurately and in line with defined procedures, specifications and GMP requirements.

This opportunity would be particularly well suited to a recent science graduate or someone at the beginning of their laboratory career who would like to gain practical experience within a regulated pharmaceutical environment. Previous industrial experience would be beneficial, but it is not essential, as training will be provided.

You will join a small, friendly and hardworking team where colleagues support one another and are trained across a range of laboratory activities. Because of the size of the team, you will have the opportunity to learn different aspects of QC microbiology and build a strong foundation for your future scientific career.

At Pharmaron we offer

Vibrant and dynamic employment: We are a highly specialised growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy, with a strong and exciting future.
Opportunities to develop: Our continued growth provides opportunities for you to learn, build new skills and progress.
A supportive team: You will work alongside colleagues who support one another and are committed to delivering high-quality work.
Valuable industry experience: Gain practical exposure to GMP laboratory operations and pharmaceutical microbiology.

Key roles and responsibilities

Perform routine microbiological testing to support facility and product monitoring activities.
Carry out water system testing and biological product testing using membrane filtration.
Prepare, execute and accurately document laboratory testing activities in accordance with approved procedures.
Complete laboratory records, test records and other supporting documentation accurately and within agreed timelines.
Review testing data, identify potential issues and escalate them appropriately.
Support environmental monitoring and other microbiology activities as required.
Assist with equipment checks, qualification activities and the maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Maintain laboratory reagents, consumables and stock levels.
Ensure appropriate standards of laboratory housekeeping are maintained.
Support day-to-day Quality Management System activities, where required.
Work in accordance with applicable quality, regulatory, EHS and GMP requirements.
Contribute to 5S, operational excellence and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the QC Microbiology team and the wider site.
Provide occasional cover outside normal working hours for essential operations, where required by the business.

Requirements:

Essential

BSc, MSc or equivalent qualification in microbiology, biology, biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or another relevant scientific discipline.
Some practical laboratory experience gained through university studies, a research project, industrial placement or employment.
A careful and methodical approach to laboratory work.
Good attention to detail and the ability to follow defined procedures accurately.
Effective organisational and time-management skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
A willingness to learn new laboratory methods and develop within a regulated environment.
The ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.
A flexible and proactive approach to changing priorities and team requirements.

Desirable

Up to six months’ experience in a laboratory or scientific working environment.
An industrial placement or relevant practical laboratory project.
Experience of microbiological techniques such as water testing, membrane filtration, bioburden testing, environmental monitoring, LAL testing, microbial identification or Gram staining.
Previous experience within a pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing or quality-control laboratory.
An understanding of GMP or working within a regulated laboratory environment.
Experience completing laboratory records, test records, procedures or scientific reports.
Familiarity with laboratory quality systems, equipment qualification or method validation.

Our Liverpool site

Our Liverpool facility provides integrated biologics development and manufacturing services across Analytical and Process Sciences. The site has an established track record in biologics development and offers capabilities supporting gene therapy drug substance development, viral vectors, plasmid DNA and analytical release and characterisation activities.

Why should you apply?

Start or develop your scientific career within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
Gain practical experience in routine QC microbiology and GMP laboratory operations.
Receive training across a range of microbiological testing activities.
Build experience in water system monitoring and biological product testing.
Work within a small team where you can learn from experienced colleagues.
Develop transferable laboratory, quality and documentation skills.
Make a meaningful contribution during a focused 12-month assignment.

At Pharmaron, we do more than manufacture batches. We develop medicines.

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