Microbiology Research Associate

By joining Bio-Techne, you’ll join a company with a powerful and positive purpose of enabling cutting-edge research in Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics. Bio-Techne, and all of its brands, provides tools for researchers to further treat and prevent disease worldwide.

Pay Range:

$40,300.00 - $66,250.00

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our Quality Control Microbiology team! The successful candidate will be responsible for performing microbiological testing and reporting procedures, including bioburden and sterility testing using culture methods such as direct plating, broth inoculation, and membrane filtration.

In addition to testing products, the Research Associate will be responsible for performing environmental monitoring for viable microbes, particle counts, and WFI/deionized water testing, as well as reading and reporting results. The Research Associate will also assist with method validations, new procedure development, and equipment IQ/OQ and calibrations.

The Research Associate will perform general lab duties, including assisting with the sanitization of cleanrooms, and other duties as assigned. The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail, strong organizational and multitasking skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Bioburden and sterility QC testing of raw materials, bulk products, and finished products using various culture methods including direct plate, broth dilution, and filter-culture. This includes culture set up, reading, and recording, as well as reporting via hard copy distribution and computer entry/scanning.

2. Performance, maintenance, and recording of the ongoing culture system for Hematology products.

3. Perform testing and reporting for the environmental monitoring program, which includes air, surface, particles, and heterotrophic plate counts of purified waters (some short travel between campuses required). Collection, set-up, and reading of cultures. Perform / assist in results follow-up, trouble-shooting, and corrective actions.

4. Assist with validations for equipment and testing methods in compliance with cGMP, USP, and ISO regulations.

5. Assist with development and validation of culture methods and continuous improvement of established SOPs.

6. Miscellaneous administrative duties including: printing documents from SmartSolve and making copies; revising / reviewing SOP documents; raw materials check-in and retrieval of media Certificates of Analysis.

7. General lab duties including: cleaning (some requiring use of a respirator) and maintenance of cleaning logs; biohazard disposal; temperature recording; formulation and filtering of in-house media/rinse solutions.

8. Assist with the monitoring of lab supplies and ordering.

9. Follows company policies and practices as outlined in the Handbook and follows guidelines regarding safety as outlined in the AWAIR, Chemical Hygiene and Exposure Control manuals in accordance to the job.

10. Additional duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Position requires a B.S. degree in Microbiology or a related field or equivalent, with a minimum of 0-2 years microbiology lab experience. Attention to detail, organization, data analysis and problem-solving skills are required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel are required. Computer entry and/or typing skills are necessary. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, and have good verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of basic computers and Microsoft Word and Excel.

2. Knowledge and skills pertaining to laboratory equipment.

3. Knowledge of microbiology culture procedures. Ability to learn and consistently execute laboratory tasks, using excellent aseptic technique.

4. Skills in problem solving; including the ability to identify and appropriately evaluate a course of action.

5. Ability to act independently on routine assignments or projects.

6. Ability to plan, organize and multi-task to complete assignments in an efficient manner.

7. Skill in establishing effective inter- and intra-department relationships to be able to determine the appropriate actions to be taken with incoming samples and assist submitting personnel in a professional manner.

8. Ability to communicate professionally, both oral and written.

9. Ability to pay attention to details and perform at a high-level accuracy.

10. Ability to work independently and with a team.

11. Knowledge of safety and company rules and policies.

12. Ability to work hours that conform to standard business operations, with some shift cov