Microbiologist I, Albuquerque, NM

Build your future at Curia, where our work has the power to save lives 

Curia is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to provide life-saving treatments to patients. At Curia, we are on a mission to advance our customers’ therapies from curiosity to cure and ultimately to improve patients’ lives.

We proudly offer

Generous benefit options (eligible first day of employment)  Paid training, vacation and holidays (vacation accrual begins on first day of employment) Career advancement opportunities  Education reimbursement 401K program with matching contributions Learning platform And more! 

Summary:
The Microbiologist I is responsible for performing microbiological testing and quality activities to support product production, environmental monitoring, and product release in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards by conducting microbiological assays, analyzing trends, and accurately documenting and reporting results. The QC Microbiologist I collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify potential microbiological risks, troubleshoot deviations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to maintain product quality and patient safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), USP, EU, and FDA regulations related to microbiological testing and environmental monitoring. Support data integrity initiatives by accurately recording and reviewing laboratory data in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements. Assist in the qualification, validation, and calibration of microbiology laboratory instruments and test methods. Participate in internal and external audits by providing documentation, responding to inquiries, and implementing corrective actions as needed. Assist in training new microbiologists or laboratory personnel on microbiological techniques, procedures, and regulatory expectations. Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying and implementing process efficiencies within the microbiology laboratory. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance and Manufacturing, to support investigations and resolve microbiological issues. Maintain proper storage, handling, and disposal of microbiological samples, reagents, and hazardous materials in compliance with safety guidelines.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, preferably microbiology or related field Minimum of one (1) year of industry experience in a GMP or GLP environment, preferred Previous experience with pharmaceutical cleanroom environments, preferred Knowledgeable in FDA cGMPs (21 CFR 211); ISO 9001, 13485, and 17025, preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities: This role does not have supervisory responsibilities, yet it may involve mentoring, guiding, and advising. 

Language Skills:
The ideal candidate should have the ability to read and interpret various documents, such as safety instructions, standard operating procedures, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Additionally, they should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, along with effective presentation skills. 

Mathematical Skills: Proficient in executing arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division across various units of measurement, employing whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Candidates must possess a strong grasp of algebraic and geometric principles. 

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

 Computer Skills: The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical foundation and proven capability in effectively utilizing diverse software tools to streamline the organization's daily functions. Essential skills encompass adeptness in manufacturing and internet software, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Other Skills and Abilities: 

Provides guidance and mentorship to team members  Fosters a collaborative and positive work environment  Champions change  Promotes a safe and healthy work environment by actively identifying and addressing potential hazards, following established safety protocols, participating in safety training programs, and fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility among team members.  Demonstrates strong attention to detail Proficient in the validation/qualification of lab microbiological techniques

Other Qualifications: 

Must pass a background check  Must pass a drug screen  May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening  Must be able to obtain and maintain gowning certification  Must be able to obtain and maintain media qualification  Must be able to wear a respirator

Education, experience, location and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.

We do not accept unsolicited assistance from any headhunters or recruitment firms for any of our job openings. All resumes or profiles submitted by search firms to any employee at Curia, in any form without a valid, signed search agreement by an authorized signatory in place for the specific position, approved by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Curia. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Curia because of the unsolicited referral.

All interested applicants must apply online. Please be aware of scammers. Curia will only send offer letters and requests for sensitive personal information from a curiaglobal.com email address. Curia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Curia is an E-Verify employer.