Microbiologist

Microbiologist - Pharmaceutical Method Development

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting a growing pharmaceutical facility by performing microbiology quality control activities in a QC laboratory. The microbiologist develops, evaluates, and validates compendial microbiology methods to support new product transfers to the site, including sterile injections, non-sterile liquid suspensions, and solid oral dose veterinary pharmaceutical products. The position collaborates closely with the microbiology QC team, project teams, and external customers as a technical subject matter expert, while working under the guidance of analytical development or quality control leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform method feasibility, development, and validation for compendial microbiology methods supporting new product transfers to the site.

• Develop and validate microbiological methods for multiple product types, including sterile injection products, non-sterile liquid suspensions, and solid oral dose veterinary pharmaceutical drug products, as well as associated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and raw materials.

• Author, execute, and complete method development and validation protocols, including writing and reviewing validation reports in alignment with established templates and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Conduct sterility testing in accordance with USP <71> , including method validation for liquid injection products and sterile suspensions, with preferred use of isolator-based testing where applicable.

• Perform endotoxin testing in accordance with USP <85> , including method validation for liquid injection products, raw materials, and sterile suspensions using kinetic chromogenic or turbidimetric methods and associated instrumentation.

• Execute Microbial Limits Testing in accordance with USP <61> and <62> , including method validation for non-sterile liquids, pastes, suspensions, raw materials (solids and liquids), and bulk injection solutions.

• Conduct subvisible particulate testing per USP <788> using light obscuration and microscopic methods to ensure compliance with particulate limits.

• Perform media growth promotion testing and microbial identification to confirm suitability of culture media and accurately identify microorganisms as required.

• Apply aseptic technique and cell culture practices to support microbiological assays and ensure contamination control in the laboratory.

• Carry out bioburden and sterility-related testing activities as part of routine quality control and method validation programs.

• Follow cGMP requirements and FDA 21 CFR 210/211 regulations in all laboratory operations, documentation, and quality control activities.

• Collaborate closely with the microbiology QC team and cross-functional project teams to support timelines, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful method transfer and implementation.

• Interface periodically with external customers as a technical subject matter expert to discuss methods, validation strategies, and testing results.

• Work under the direction of analytical development or quality control management while receiving training from microbiologists on SOPs, equipment operation, and documentation standards.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant laboratory records, ensuring that all work aligns with established procedures and regulatory expectations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or a related scientific field.

• 4+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing quality control role under cGMP, specifically aligned with FDA 21 CFR 210/211 requirements.

• Hands-on experience in method development and validation, including authoring validation protocols, executing studies, and writing validation reports.

• Demonstrated experience performing sterility testing in accordance with USP <71> , including method validation for liquid injection products and sterile suspensions, with preferred experience using isolators.

• Experience performing endotoxin testing in accordance with USP <85> , including method validation for liquid injection products, raw materials, and sterile suspensions using kinetic chromogenic or turbidimetric methods and related instrumentation.

• Experience with Microbial Limits Testing in accordance with USP <61> and <62> , including method validation for non-sterile liquids, pastes, suspensions, raw materials (solids and liquids), and bulk injection solutions.

• Experience conducting subvisible particulate testing per USP <788> by light obscuration and microscopic methods.

• Proficiency in media growth promotion testing and microbial identification techniques.

• Demonstrated competency in aseptic technique and cell culture practices.

• Practical experience performing bioburden, sterility, and related microbiological quality control tests.

• Strong understanding of cGMP principles and quality control practices in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

• Ability to follow SOPs, operate laboratory equipment accurately, and maintain high-quality documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an animal health or veterinary pharmaceutical environment is advantageous.

• Prior experience serving as a technical subject matter expert and interfacing with external customers or partners is beneficial.

• Familiarity with compendial microbiology methods and their application to sterile and non-sterile dosage forms.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting methods, authoring reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative microbiology team within a larger manufacturing and laboratory setting.

• Detail-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot microbiological methods and assays.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large manufacturing and laboratory facility that supports a growing animal health pharmaceutical operation. The microbiologist works closely with a small group of microbiologists in a quality control laboratory setting, using compendial microbiology methods and standard laboratory equipment to test sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products, APIs, and raw materials. The facility offers on-site amenities, including a gym, contributing to a supportive and health-conscious workplace. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a stable daytime schedule in a professional laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Shawnee, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Shawnee,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.