Microbiologist

Summary:

The Microbiologist is responsible for performing various microbiological tests of raw materials, in-process, final bulk and final container product, as well as environmental monitoring samples.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Perform microbiological (AML) and endotoxin (LAL) testing on water samples, in-process product samples, raw materials, and environmental monitoring (EM) samples as directed by the laboratory supervisor or Senior Microbiologist.
• Perform preparation of reagents, materials, and equipment used in microbiological testing in sterile environments, such as HEPA hoods.
• Count colony forming units (CFU) on Petri plates.
• Perform sterility testing on final products and raw materials.
• Perform Growth Promotion and Biological Indicator testing.
• Isolate and maintain pure microbial cultures from test samples.
• Prepare and maintain frozen cultures of microbial isolates.
• Perform various microbial identification tests (microscopy, genetic, biochemical, and/or morphological).
• Maintain microbial identification database.
• Compile and enter data into computer database (i.e. LIMS - Laboratory Information Management Systems) to be used for reporting and trending purposes.
• Review test results against specifications.
• Will share general responsibilities for laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, housekeeping, and other lab support functions (e.g., inventory of consumables and reagents).
• Maintain sample logs on a daily basis to ensure timely testing and tracking of all samples.
• Maintain Instrument Usage and Calibration Logs based on instrument usage during the preparation and testing of samples.
• Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
• Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
• Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Required Skills, Experience, Education & Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or closely related scientific discipline is required.
• Related experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated testing laboratory is preferred.
• Requires a basic understanding of the fundamentals of microbiology, aseptic techniques, isolation and identification of molds, yeasts, and bacteria, as well as basic statistical analysis.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
• Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Specific experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is preferred.
• Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.

Equivalency: Depending on the area of assignment, directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience and/or competencies may be considered in a place of the stated requirements. Example: If a Job level typically requires an Associate's Degree plus 2 years of experience, an equivalent could include 4 years of experience of a Bachelor's degree.

Occupational Demands: Work is performed in an office and a laboratory/manufacturing environment or warehouse. Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms. Exposure to occasional extreme cold below 32* in production areas. Exposure to electrical office and laboratory equipment. Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves. Work is performed sitting or standing for 2-4 hours per day. Frequent hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects. Light to moderate lifting and carrying objects with a maximum lift of 35lbs. Occasionally walks, bends and twists neck and waist, may reach above or below shoulder height. Frequent foot movements. Color perception/discrimination and near vision correctable in one eye to 20/30 and to 20/100 in the other eye. Able to communicate complex information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken and written words and sentences. Performs tasks by following a set of written or oral instructions/procedures. 

*This job description is accurate at the date of publication and may change over time.  It is not intended as an exhaustive description of the job.  Other duties may be assigned and qualifications required may change.

The estimated pay scale for Microbiologist  role based in California, is $28.43 - $30.00 per hour. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 5% of the company bonus pool. We offer a wide variety of benefits including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays and up to 5% 401(K) match and tuition reimbursement. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on education, experience, skillset, knowledge, where the role is performed, internal equity and market data. We are committed to offering our employees opportunities for professional growth and career progression. Grifols is a global healthcare organization with employees in 30 countries focused on patient health and providing impactful results. Since our humble beginnings in 1909, Grifols has been a family company that prides itself on its family-like culture. Our company has more than tripled over the last 10 years, and you can grow with us! 

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws, including but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

California Personnel Privacy Policy and Notice at Collection

Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : CA-Los Angeles:US403 - LA CA-QC Building

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