Junior Microbiologist

Position: Junior Microbiologist

Job Location: Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, BRA

Role Summary

Technical and strategic role focused on implementing plans for assessing new and modified formulas to ensure all products and processes meet minimal robustness and microbiological approval standards. The main focus is to develop, validate, and execute methodologies for releasing raw materials and finished products, while establishing a comprehensive Manufacturing Micro Control program (covering water systems, cleaning & sanitization, and critical control points). The role aims to mitigate biological risks, maintain laboratory quality assurance systems, and provide specialized microbiology training to cross-functional teams to ensure total compliance with global quality and safety guidelines.

Main Responsibilities

• Formula Assessment & Robustness: Support the implementation of plans to assess new and modified formulas, ensuring compliance with minimal robustness standards (QMIC 0037) and testing products for preservative effectiveness.

• Manufacturing Micro Control Program: Develop and implement control programs across the manufacturing pilot plant, managing raw materials (QMIC 0047), water systems (QMIC 0030), cleaning & sanitization (GQS 045), and Control Point Monitoring (CPM) using the Micro Susceptibility Index to map risks.

• Microbiological Testing & Execution: Perform routine and specialized microbiological testing in accordance with standard procedures (QMICs) to guarantee new products meet all microbiological control requirements (QS 023).

• Method Validation & Transfer: Conduct method validation testing (including conventional and rapid methodologies like Celsis) to be transferred to manufacturing sites for raw material analysis and product release.

• Data Integrity & Compliance: Maintain accurate, concise, and up-to-date laboratory records; review and implement new/revised global procedures (QMICs) within 45 days, and ensure data validity for QA systems.

• Investigation & Corrective Actions: Participate in failure investigations, collect necessary samples, and execute applicable preventive or corrective actions regarding laboratory findings or EHS incidents.

• Environmental & System Monitoring: Perform sampling and testing of water, environmental air, compressed air, and surface swabs, while supporting the annual stability testing and culture maintenance programs.

• Lab Maintenance & Calibration: Participate in the calibration and qualification program for all laboratory equipment and instruments, and write/update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Training & Knowledge Sharing: Develop and deliver microbiology training modules for microbiologists, pilot plant operators, Product Development (PD), and Innovation & Support (I&S) groups.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree completed in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical, Biology Chemistry, Biomedicine or a related major.

• Experience: Solid experience in Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, or Industrial laboratories, with a proven track record in functional microbiological testing and validation.

• Language: Intermediate English.

• Tools: Proficiency in Google Suite and solid knowledge of analytical, basic statistics, and mathematics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree (Master's Degree in Microbiology or Biochemistry).

• Advanced understanding of Product Development processes within a Global Technology Center (GTC) environment.

• Strong leadership competencies in teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.