Microbiology Group Leader

Job Description

Job Description

Microbiology Group Leader

The Microbiology Group Leader supports the microbiology testing operations by overseeing daily department activities, managing testing schedules, supporting investigations, and helping maintain compliance in a cGMP-regulated laboratory environment.

This role provides leadership for rapid sterility testing, traditional sterility testing, bacterial endotoxin testing, environmental monitoring, aseptic technique programs, gowning certification, and other microbiology-based laboratory services. The Microbiology Group Leader works closely with Quality Assurance, laboratory leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure accurate testing, strong documentation, audit readiness, and continuous improvement.

Location: Onsite

Primary Responsibilities

Microbiology Laboratory Leadership

• Oversee daily operations and address the needs of the Microbiology Department.
• Manage testing schedules, testing progress, data, and work quality.
• Support department planning, prioritization, and project timelines.
• Provide continuous improvement ideas to strengthen laboratory efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Assist in the implementation of new equipment, methods, room qualifications, utility qualifications, and related microbiology projects.

Microbiological Testing and Technical Support

• Provide microbiology support for rapid sterility testing, including ScanRDI, traditional sterility testing, bacterial endotoxin testing, and other microbiological testing as required.
• Apply strong knowledge of pharmaceutical microbiology, cleanroom environmental control, and microbiological testing methods.
• Support environmental monitoring of clean rooms and utilities.
• Participate in troubleshooting and out-of-specification investigations for the Microbiology Department.
• Develop strong microbiology and investigational skills within the department.

Compliance, Documentation, and Quality Systems

• Support compliance with ISO, FDA, USP, cGMP, and related regulatory expectations.
• Help Quality Assurance establish and enforce quality standards in sample testing and documentation.
• Revise and review SOPs, checklists, investigations, validations, and related technical documents.
• Ensure documentation clearly defines the steps needed to complete required audit tasks.
• Participate in client and internal audits based on the FDA System Based Inspection Policy and general cGMP expectations.

Training, Programs, and Inspection Support

• Assist in the creation, implementation, and administration of microbiology-based programs, including training, gowning, and aseptic technique programs.
• Represent Microbiology during regulatory inspections and respond to microbiology-related questions, issues, and solutions.
• Respond to customer requests for information.
• Develop professional and technical knowledge through continuing education, professional publications, networking, and industry participation.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development: Guides team members and supports a positive, productive work environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of ISO, FDA, USP, cGMP standards, and FDA System Based Inspection Policy.
• Technical Proficiency: Applies expertise in pharmaceutical microbiology testing, including ScanRDI, traditional sterility, endotoxin testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Problem Solving: Troubleshoots and resolves complex microbiological and operational challenges.
• Communication and Documentation: Prepares clear technical documentation and communicates effectively during inspections, audits, and client interactions.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology.
• 3+ years of directly related experience required.
• Solid working knowledge of cGMPs and related quality systems.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical microbiology, including ScanRDI, traditional sterility, and endotoxin testing.
• Experience in environmental control and monitoring of clean rooms and utilities.
• Technical writing experience, including SOPs, investigations, and validations.
• Strong organizational, oral communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment to solve problems of varying difficulty.

Real People. Real Connections. Real Results.

That's the Messina Talent Advantage.

For more than 40 years, Messina's Talent practice has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our clients. We not only help our clients fill roles and build their teams, but we also help them better understand their workforce and develop strategic talent initiatives that drive value for their organizations.

Messina Talent Advisors, a Messina Group Company, has the network, proven processes, and all the latest technologies to connect the right candidates with the right jobs - faster.

Company Description

Real People. Real Connections. Real Results.\r\n\r\nThat's the Messina Talent Advantage.\r\n\r\nFor more than 40 years, Messina's Talent practice has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our clients. We not only help our clients fill roles and build their teams, but we also help them better understand their workforce and develop strategic talent initiatives that drive value for their organizations.\r\n\r\nMessina Talent Advisors, a Messina Group Company, has the network, proven processes, and all the latest technologies to connect the right candidates with the right jobs - faster.