Quality Control — Microbiology
Department: Quality Location: Centennial, CO, 80112 Employment Type: Full-Time. Compensation:$26-$31 per hour
Job Summary
The Microbiologist will be responsible for overseeing environmental monitoring, sterility testing, and microbial identification processes to ensure compliance with USP <795>, <797>, and <800>, as well as FDA and state board regulations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining aseptic conditions and ensuring the microbiological integrity of compounded sterile preparations.
Key Responsibilities
Environmental Monitoring:
- Perform routine and non-routine and non-viable EM of ISO-classified cleanrooms
- Conduct active air, passive air, surface, and personal sampling during and after operations
- Analyze data trends and ensure results are within facility-specific alert and action levels
- Ensure proper sampling coverage of critical and non-critical zones.
Microbiological Testing of Utilities and Materials:
- Test purified water systems, surfaces, and personnel for microbial contamination
- Conduct bioburden testing of raw materials and components prior to compounding
- Maintain sample traceability and data integrity from collection through result reporting
Sterility Assurance and USP <71> Testing:
- Coordinate sterility testing for CSPs using membrane filtration or direct inoculation
- Monitor incubation and growth observations according to USP <71>
- Document results and escalate any abnormal findings per established protocols
Endotoxin Testing (USP <85>):
- Oversee bacterial endotoxin testing (BET) using LAL methods (gel-clot, chromogenic, turbidimetric)
- Ensure test methods meet compendial and product-specific requirements
- Investigate test failures and assess impact on product quality and safety.
Microbial Identification and Trending:
- Identify recovered organisms using Gram staining and advanced ID tools
- Track trends in cleanroom isolates and product contamination data
- Prepare monthly and quarterly microbiological trending reports (Data gave me this frequency - can change to reflect our needs - or leave as is)
OOS and Excursion Investigations:
- Lead microbiology-related investigations for out-of-specification results or EM excursions
- Perform root cause analysis and implement CAPs in collaboration with QA
- Ensure accurate, complete, and timely investigation documentation
Aseptic Technique and Gowning Qualification Support:
- Observe and evaluate aseptic practices during media fills and daily operations
- Assist with training, qualification, and periodic requalification of cleanroom personnel
- Review gowning footage and aseptic practices for compliance with SOPs
Laboratory Equipment Maintenance and Qualification:
- Oversee calibration and maintenance of EM and microbiology lab equipment (e.g., air sampler, endotoxin readers)
- Maintain equipment logs, service records, and calibration certificates
- Ensure compliance with cGMPs and lab SOPs
SOP Management and Document Control:
- Draft, revise, and review SOPs, protocols, and microbiological test methods
- Ensure alignment with USP chapters, FDA guidance, and internal procedures
- Support regular SOP review cycles and change control processes
Interdepartmental Collaboration:
- Partner with QA and Production on cleanroom control and contamination risk management
- Participate in cross-functional meetings, audits, and projects
- Provide microbiological input for risk assessments and change controls
Audit and Regulatory Support:
- Prepare and present microbiology data during internal and external audits
- Support regulatory inspections with required documentation
- Maintain an audit-ready state through continuous compliance
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand for long periods of time during cleanroom monitoring or gowning activities
- Fine motor skills to handle small lab tools, pipettes, swabs, and other microbiological equipment
- Ability to lift and carry equipment or testing materials weighing up to 25 pounds
- Good visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) for microscopic analysis and detailed data review
- Capability to work in controlled environments (temperature and humidity controlled cleanrooms)
- Occasional sitting, bending, crouching, or reaching as required by cleanroom tasks
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related field
- Minimum 2 years of experience in microbiological testing in a regulated pharmaceutical, biotech, or compounding environment
- Working knowledge of USP chapters: <795> <797> <71> <85> <1116>
- Familiarity with aseptic technique and cleanroom practices in GMP/GLP settings
- Experience with environmental monitoring, bioburden testing, and sterility testing protocols
- Strong understanding of cGMPs, FDA guidelines, and quality documentation practices
- Proficiency in Google Suite and LIMS or quality documentation systems
Benefits
- Company-paid health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO).
- Tuition and Certification Reimbursement Programs.
- RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Equal Opportunity Employer
VPI Compounding Pharmacy is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all qualified individuals employed by or seeking employment with VPI, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or non-job-related disabilities. This policy extends to all areas of employment, including recruitment, job assignment, promotion, and other terms of employment.
