Microbiology Supervisor

Microbiology Supervisor

Job Description

The Microbiology Supervisor leads and develops the Microbiology Laboratory, expanding internal microbiological testing capabilities, managing third-party testing laboratories, and providing expert guidance on microbiological control within the production environment. This role ensures that products and manufacturing processes comply with microbial requirements, FDA regulations for OTC and cosmetic products, and internal policies and procedures, while supporting the launch and growth of new lotions, creams, and other water-based product lines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, document, and implement Microbiology Laboratory processes and programs to ensure products and the manufacturing environment meet all microbial requirements.

• Manage and lead the Microbiology Laboratory quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programs, including direct oversight and development of one microbiology technician.

• Lead the development and execution of the Microbiology Laboratory research and development (R&D) program, including challenge studies, stability studies, and other testing for new water-based formulations and new manufacturing lines.

• Assess microbiological control within the manufacturing environment and proactively recommend process improvements to peers and leadership.

• Manage and coordinate internal microbiological testing and third-party testing laboratories to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant results.

• Report failing or out-of-specification (OOS) results to the QC Manager immediately and document each OOS in accordance with the Deviation/Investigation standard operating procedure (SOP).

• Format, analyze, and present microbiological data in a way that is appropriate for audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge.

• Execute tactical activities that support overall microbiology strategy and technical alignment with organizational goals.

• Ensure that all laboratory equipment remains in good operating condition, including scheduling and verifying calibration and routine maintenance.

• Lead the assessment, selection, purchase, and introduction of new laboratory equipment and instruments, including oversight of IQ/OQ/PQ activities.

• Ensure strict compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) across all microbiology operations.

• Support environmental monitoring programs, water system monitoring, cleaning validations, and in-process manufacturing support activities.

• Provide audit support by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and demonstrating compliance for internal and external audits.

• Contribute to documentation, planning, and audit readiness activities related to microbiology, quality, and R&D.

• Collaborate closely with production, quality, and R&D teams to support the successful scale-up and ongoing quality of new OTC and personal care product lines.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree (BS/BA) in Microbiology or a closely related scientific discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in an FDA-regulated microbiology function, preferably supporting OTC or pharmaceutical products.

• Proven experience leading microbiology programs, including establishing and managing laboratory QA and QC activities.

• Demonstrated experience training and mentoring laboratory staff on microbiological techniques and technical functions.

• Hands-on experience with microbiology laboratory operations, including bioburden testing and microbiology validation activities.

• Strong knowledge of environmental monitoring programs in a manufacturing or pharmaceutical setting.

• Familiarity with USP microbiology methods and standards, including USP microbiology validation.

• Ability to interpret and apply GMP, GLP, and GDP requirements in daily laboratory operations.

• Experience with audit support, including preparing documentation and responding to regulatory or customer audits.

• Strong analytical and data presentation skills, with the ability to tailor communication to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, or related regulated industries.

• Working knowledge of USP 61 and USP 62 testing requirements.

• Experience supporting water system monitoring, cleaning validation, and in-process manufacturing microbiology support.

• Experience in R&D support, including challenge testing, stability studies, and microbiological evaluation of new formulations.

• Demonstrated ability to lead the introduction of new laboratory equipment, including IQ/OQ/PQ qualification activities.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to process improvement in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

• Comfort working cross-functionally with quality, production, and R&D teams in a fast-growing organization.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a microbiology laboratory and office setting, with regular interaction with manufacturing areas for plant and environmental sampling. The position supports a growing operation that is expanding lotions, creams, and other water-based OTC and personal care product lines, offering exposure to both routine quality testing and innovative R&D work. Work hours follow a Monday through Friday schedule, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The environment emphasizes adherence to GMP, GLP, and GDP standards, with appropriate laboratory safety practices and attire required when working in the lab and manufacturing spaces

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Eden Prairie, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Competitive benefits - 401k, medical, dental, vision, etc.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Eden Prairie,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.