Microbiologist in Mount Prospect, Illinois at Xttrium Laboratories Inc
Explore Related Opportunities
Job Description
Company Description
Our Solutions Protect Patients!
Founded in 1932, Xttrium Laboratories has been dedicated to promoting health and well-being through high-quality products. Recognized as a trusted supplier of disinfectants to hospitals and healthcare providers, Xttrium has expanded its offerings to pharmacies nationwide. With over 40 years of expertise in manufacturing FDA-registered healthcare solutions, the company is a leader in ensuring safety and quality in a health-conscious world.
Position Summary
The Microbiologist performs microbiological testing and technical evaluations that support product quality, manufacturing operations, contamination control, and regulatory compliance. This role performs environmental monitoring, water testing, post-cleaning verification sampling, microbial assessments, laboratory investigations, antimicrobial effectiveness testing (AET), and method suitability testing. The Microbiologist evaluates microbiological data, investigates atypical results, supports contamination control programs, and serves as a technical resource within the Quality Control Microbiology function.
The position requires sound scientific judgment, strong laboratory skills, and the ability to independently assess microbiological risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform microbiological testing and sampling activities, including responsibility for environmental monitoring sampling, water sampling and testing, cleaning verification sampling, microbial enumeration, organism identification, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, and method suitability testing.
- Evaluate microbiological data, trends, and atypical results to assess contamination risk and product quality impact.
- Perform microbiological assessments of recovered organisms.
- Lead or support microbiology investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA recommendations, and related technical documentation.
- Support contamination control, cleaning validation, environmental monitoring, water system, and laboratory improvement programs.
- Maintain accurate GMP documentation, prepare technical reports, and review laboratory records for completeness and compliance.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Validation, and Engineering to resolve microbiology-related issues.
- Support audits, inspections, deviations, change controls, risk assessments, and other Quality System activities.
- Provide technical guidance, training, and procedure support for Microbiology Technician and junior laboratory personnel.
Qualifications
Education
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or related Life Science is required.
Experience
- 5+ years of microbiology experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated environment preferred.
- Experience with environmental monitoring, water testing, and microbiological investigations required.
- Experience with microbial identification and root cause investigations preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of microbiology principles and laboratory techniques.
- Knowledge of cGMP regulations, FDA guidance, ISO standards, and Good Documentation Practices.
- Experience conducting scientific investigations and root cause analysis.
- Ability to interpret microbiological data and assess contamination risks.
- Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and controlled environments.
- Ability to wear required PPE and cleanroom gowning.
- Ability to stand, walk, and perform sampling activities for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Employment decisions are made based on skills, qualifications, and potential; never on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected trait.
The expected base compensation range for this position is between $75,000 and $85,000 USD. Actual compensation will depend on various factors.