Research Associate, Microbiology QC

By joining Bio-Techne, you’ll join a company with a powerful and positive purpose of enabling cutting-edge research in Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics. Bio-Techne, and all of its brands, provides tools for researchers to further treat and prevent disease worldwide.

Research Associate - Microbiology QC Department

Position Summary:

The responsibilities of this position are to participate in the Microbiology QC testing and reporting procedures: set up, read, and report the microbial QC bioburden and sterility testing of various sample types using culture methods that include direct plating, broth inoculation, and membrane filtration.  Performance of environmental monitoring for viable microbes, particle counts, and WFI/deionized water testing, reading, and reporting.  Assist with efficacy and validation testing, new procedure development, new equipment IQ/OQ and calibrations.  Perform general lab duties, assist with sanitization of clean rooms, and additional duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bioburden and sterility QC testing of raw materials, bulk products, and finished products using various culture methods including direct plate, broth dilution, and filter-culture. This includes culture set up, reading, and recording, as well as reporting via hard copy distribution and computer entry/scanning.
• Performance, maintenance, and recording of the ongoing culture system for Hematology products.
• Perform testing and reporting for the environmental monitoring program, which includes air, surface, particles, and heterotrophic plate counts of purified waters (some short travel between campuses required). Collection, set-up, and reading of cultures.  Perform / assist in results follow-up, trouble-shooting, and corrective actions. 
• Assist with validations for equipment and testing methods in compliance with cGMP, USP, and ISO regulations. 
• Assist with development and validation of culture methods and continuous improvement of established SOPs.
• Miscellaneous administrative duties including printing documents from MasterControl and making copies; revising / reviewing SOP documents; raw materials check-in and retrieval of media Certificates of Analysis. 
• General lab duties including   cleaning (some requiring use of a respirator) and maintenance of cleaning logs; biohazard disposal; temperature recording; formulation and filtering of in-house media/rinse solutions.
• Assist with the monitoring of lab supplies and ordering.
• Follows company policies and practices as outlined in the Handbook and follows guidelines regarding safety as outlined in the AWAIR, Chemical Hygiene and Exposure Control manuals in accordance to the job.  Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related scientific field or equivalent and up to 3 years of relevant experience (microbiology lab experience preferred)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel are required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of microbiology culture procedures.  Ability to learn and consistently execute laboratory tasks, using excellent aseptic technique.
• Attention to detail, organization, data analysis and problem-solving skills are required. 
• Computer entry and/or typing skills are desirable.  
• Must be able to work in a fast pace environment, multi task, and have good communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and skills pertaining to laboratory equipment.
• Skills in problem solving; including the ability to identify and appropriately evaluate a course of action. 
• Ability to act independently on routine assignments or projects.
• Ability to plan, organize and multi-task to complete assignments in an efficient manner.
• Skill in establishing effective inter- and intra-department relationships to be able to determine the appropriate actions to be taken with incoming samples and assist submitting personnel in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate professionally, both oral and written.
• Ability to pay attention to details and perform at a high-level accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Knowledge of safety and company rules and policies.

Why Join Bio-Techne:

• We offer competitive salaries along with extensive medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family starting on day one!
• We invest in our employees’ financial futures through 401k matching and an employee stock purchase plan.
• We help our employees develop their careers through mentorship, promotional opportunities, training and development, internship programs, and more.
• We offer employee resource groups, volunteer paid time off, employee events, and charity drives to build a culture of caring and belonging. 
• We foster a culture of empowerment and innovation, where employees feel valued and encouraged to bring their new ideas to the table.

Where permitted by applicable law, candidate must have received or be willing to receive an FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccine by date of hire to be considered for this position. 

Bio-Techne is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.