Quality Control Microbiologist Technician

Experiencing together a unique human adventure

Animal health is key to the health of the planet. Working at Virbac means taking part in a unique human adventure in which the engagement of each individual contributes to its evolution. Encouraging internal mobility between positions and countries, offering individual development plans and building a partnership based on trust between managers and employees are as many perspectives of motivation for our teams. We also offer them a work environment conducive to exploring new territories and balancing their professional and personal lives. Finally, fostering their engagement to animal health also means listening to them and helping them to acquire new skills, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow and encouraging them to contribute to an ever more responsible approach to our business.  

Microbiology Technician

Virbac Animal Health is seeking a Microbiology Technician to join our team. In this position, the analyst is expected to perform in-house microbiological enumerations and other routine laboratory tests to determine characteristics of products and materials according to the cGMP. The Microbiology Technician is also responsible to maintain the Microbiology Laboratory in a clean, compliant state along with ensuring the laboratory equipment is maintained in a suitable calibrated state appropriate for microbiology testing.  

Qualified candidates must possess an Associates degree in Chemistry, Biology or other health-related field, or demonstration of equivalent experience. 0 to 3 years experience operating in a Quality Control Lab. 

This exciting position will work in Bridgeton, MO.  It comes with anexcellent benefits package including generous time off, 401k + match, life, medical, dental, and vision benefits, and more!

Responsibilities 

Area of responsibility 1: [Perform micro enumeration testing per compendia and in-house methods.]

Main activities 

• Using proper aseptic technique, isolate colonies and perform gram stains and oxidase testing.
• Make dilutions, prepare samples, perform accurate plate counts; Purified water testing per USP, EP and other monographs; membrane filtration and coliform testing
• Environmental monitoring; collect and analyze air samples and contact plates
• Complete work by specified timeline accurately and according to cGMP.
• Perform method verifications and protocol testing 

Expected results:Results generated by analysts are accurate and precise and are documented and completed according to cGMP within the commitment timelines.

Area of responsibility 2: [Maintain the Microbiology Laboratory in a clean, compliant state.]

Main activities 

• Stock necessities, maintain inventory and order replacements of supplies as needed. 
• Clean as required; ensure the laboratory is always appropriate for microbiological testing.
• Remove micro waste in a safe, legal and environmentally responsible manner
• Perform growth promotion on media

Expected results: The QC Micro Lab is always in the best state for performance and compliance.

Area of responsibility 3: [Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained in a suitable calibrated state and appropriate for microbiological testing.]

Main activities 

• Perform calibrations of laboratory equipment as required per schedule.
• Maintain equipment in good operating condition by taking care of, cleaning, and storing the equipment appropriately.
• Ensure equipment is free from any possible cross contamination and biological growth through cleaning practices.

Expected results:  Laboratory equipment is maintained in a functioning calibrated state.

Area of responsibility 4: [Support investigations within Quality Control and cross-functional departments ]

Main activities 

• Communicate problems immediately to Quality Control Management and participate openly in all laboratory investigations.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Quality Assurance, and other departments as necessary on cross-functional assessments.
• Work with Production, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Assurance to streamline in-process testing.

Expected results:  Communication and cooperation across all departments is open and professional.

Area of responsibility 5: [Perform other related duties as specified by laboratory management. ]

Main activities 

• Perform data review when necessary. 
• Offer suggestions for process improvements
• Perform laboratory Standard Work, including cleaning/housekeeping, additional testing, training, etc.
• Assist Quality management with projects necessary to ensure quality of our products and testing.

Expected results: Analyst will exhibit flexibility, competence, professionalism and willingness to perform duties as needed.

Profile

Requirements (Diploma and experience)

• Associates degree in Chemistry, Biology or other health-related field, or demonstration of equivalent experience.
• 0-3 years experience operating in a Quality Control Lab.

Skills

• Biology background