QC Microbiology Analyst

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About Hovione

At Hovione, we help partners turn scientific innovation into medicines that reach patients around the world. For more than 65 years, we have connected science, technology, and manufacturing to scale complex ideas into high-quality and innovative solutions that truly make a difference.

As an international Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we support the development and manufacture of drug substances, intermediates, and drug products across the full life cycle. We are globally recognized for our leadership in specialized technologies such as Spray Drying and Continuous Tableting. But what truly sets us apart is not just what we do — it is how we do it: with purpose, care, collaboration, and a deep commitment to doing the right things right.

Our people are the reason for our success. We are a global and diverse team of more than 2,600 team members across Europe, the USA, and Asia, bringing together different experiences and perspectives to help our partners to overcome complex challenges. We believe that an inclusive environment — where everyone, regardless of background, identity or ability, is respected, heard and empowered to contribute — is essential to drive innovation, ensure quality, and secure long‑term sustainable success.

And as we grow, so do the opportunities for our people to develop, broaden their perspectives, and build meaningful careers. Because at Hovione, better starts with those who choose to make a difference every day. Will you be one of them?

You will be responsible to:

The Analyst - Microbiology is responsible for performing microbiological testing and quality control activities to ensure raw materials, intermediates and finished products meet the highest quality, GMP, regulatory and customer requirements. The role plays a key part in supporting manufacturing operations, maintaining laboratory compliance, and ensuring the delivery of reliable and accurate microbiological results. 

Working within a collaborative laboratory environment, the successful candidate will contribute to routine testing, investigations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives while partnering closely with Production, Quality Assurance and other site departments.

Laboratory Testing & Compliance

• Perform microbiological testing according to approved methodologies, specifications, GMP requirements and laboratory schedules.
• Execute environmental monitoring, bioburden, endotoxin, water, microbial identification and other microbiological analyses as required.
• Ensure all testing activities are completed accurately and within established timelines to support site operational needs and laboratory KPIs.
• Generate, review and maintain laboratory data, ensuring full compliance with GMP, Data Integrity and HSE requirements.
• Maintain laboratory records, logbooks, worksheets and electronic systems in accordance with internal procedures.
• Maintain laboratory housekeeping standards and ensure a safe and compliant working environment.

Equipment & Laboratory Management

• Perform routine calibration, verification and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Identify and report equipment issues and support troubleshooting activities.
• Manage laboratory consumables and assist in maintaining adequate stock levels.

Quality & Investigations

• Identify, document and communicate discrepancies, deviations, non-conformances and laboratory incidents.
• Support investigations related to OOS, OOT, atypical results, deviations and quality events.
• Participate in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Support internal, customer and regulatory audits as required.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Quality Assurance and other site functions to support microbiological activities across the facility.
• Conduct production area sampling and environmental monitoring activities when required.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across different departments to ensure timely resolution of laboratory-related issues. 

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to process improvements and operational excellence initiatives within the laboratory.
• Seek additional information and technical knowledge whenever required to enhance performance and capability.
• Participate actively in performance management, training and development programmes.

We are looking to recruit a Candidate:

• Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience within a Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratory as an Analyst. 
• Strong knowledge of GMP requirements and microbiological laboratory practices.
• Experience performing microbiological testing in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Experience with microbiological investigations, deviations and quality events.
• Proficiency in laboratory documentation and data recording practices.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred

• Previous experience within a CDMO, pharmaceutical manufacturing or biotechnology environment.
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring programmes and contamination control strategies.
• Experience supporting customer and regulatory inspections.
• Familiarity with LIMS and electronic laboratory systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across different departments and functions.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently.
• Commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic operational environment.

Working Pattern

• Rotating shift pattern.
• Morning shift: 08:00 – 16:00
• Afternoon shift: 16:00 – 00:00
• Rotational Saturday coverage as required.
• Shift cycles typically rotate every three weeks.

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you require any reasonable accommodation or support during the application or interview process, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.

Notice to Agencies and Search Firms Representatives

Hovione does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms for this job posting. Any resumes submitted to Hovione by a third-party agency or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement will become the sole property of Hovione. No fees will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited referral.