Job details

Plant Microbiologist (Onsite)

Job Description Summary

Job Description

We are the makers of possible

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

We believe that the human element, across our global teams, is what allows us to continually evolve. Join us and discover an environment in which you’ll be supported to learn, grow and become your best self. Become a maker of possible with us.

Responsible for the administration and coordination of microbiological and sterilization services per the technical direction of Global Sterility Assurance. Oversees sterility assurance and contamination control programs in accordance with established and approved specifications and procedures. Releases product for distribution upon certifying sterility requirements. Reports to the Quality Manager for Sterilization Assurance

Essential Functions:

Analyzes and interprets data and submits reports based on the data.
Conducts and analyses environmental monitoring of air, water, manufacturing surfaces and components for Microbial load and particulate levels.
Actively identifies out-of-specification conditions and participates in identification of appropriate corrective actions to maintain minimum sterilization cycles and product quality.
Ensures accurate performance of media preparation to insure sterility, accurate pH, and growth support and validated steam sterilization cycles.
Assists in the development and revising of microbiology test specifications and procedures.
Operation and maintenance of all laboratory equipment, including annual service and calibrations.
Performs tasks using aseptic technique. Performs tasks in a Clean Room environment.
Performs general microbiological procedures such as plating, staining, streaking / subculturing, and identification of isolates.
Performs analysis of raw materials, components, finished products, and plant water for unacceptable microbial contaminates.
Performs, calculates and records results of pre-sterile microbial load studies, sub dose audits/ minimal dosage studies, bacteriostatic/fungistatic analysis, sterility tests, pyrogenicity test (LAL), and additional tests conducted in the Microbiology Laboratory.
Prepares and issues reports relevant to data acquisitions and participates in special projects as determined by Manager of Sterilization Assurance. Supervises laboratory procedures, analyzes and interprets data and submits reports based on the data. Has direct supervision of all laboratory personnel.
Coordinates and outlines projects for laboratory personnel and evaluates their assigned task.
Actively seeks corrective action to areas of high contamination critical to maintaining minimum sterilization cycles and product surface quality.
Ensures proper performance of media preparation to ensure sterility, proper pH, and growth support to include maintenance of stock cultures and validated steam sterilization cycles.
Assists in the development of sterilization cycles for new or modified products.
Reports status of laboratory testing on a periodic basis.
Performs, assists, or directs routine laboratory procedures relative to sterility assurance, such as media preparation, product bacteriostatic tests, product contamination levels, classification of contaminants, development of procedures for new products and training of laboratory personnel on compliance with good laboratory procedures.
Analyses environmental monitoring data and provides guidance to production supervisors on environmental improvements.
Supervises the certification of laboratory staff on various test procedures.
Assembles part or all technical data and materials cost packages for justification of new capital equipment.
Maintains microbiological monitoring and cycle development programs for all types of sterilization processes (steam, ethylene oxide, Cobalt-60 irradiation) that aligns with procedures set forth by Global Sterility Assurance. Develops and implements corrective action programs for deviations to microbiological specifications.
Approves and monitors procedures which have impact on product cleanliness (viable and non-viable).
Review laboratory, and sterilization records for final release of product.
Develops protocols and specifications for laboratory testing of medical devices to be sterilized and released.
Prepares sterilization protocols and specifications for new or modified medical devices.
Approves validation protocols and reports for new or modified processes where microbiological control is of
significance.
Ensures the delivery of sterile, non-toxic, non-pyrogenic products to market without biological quality defects.
Interacts with FDA Inspectors, ISO Auditors, and Notified Body Reviewers regarding sterility assurance and microbiological requirements of the Quality Systems Regulations.
Assists in the development and review of plant cleaning procedures. Works closely with facilities and manufacturing supervision on selection and proper use for cleaning agents.
Conducts experimental projects and prepares laboratory cost estimates as required.
Recommends actions for the control or eradication of unusual or high levels of contaminants.
Maintains all laminar flow equipment, cleanrooms, incubators, autoclaves, and support equipment to ensure efficient and accurate laboratory testing.
Prepares and maintains departmental budget and capital budget requests and reforecasts as appropriate.
Responsible for the integrity, maintenance, and replacement of test instrumentation.

Additional Requirements:

Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for non-exempt associates, including writing performance reviews
Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor and required to support the needs of the business.

Minimum Requirement:

BA or BS Degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a Science discipline with a minimum of 12 hours of Microbiology coursework (will accept 5 years’ experience in a microbiology lab in lieu of coursework) required
2- 3 years lab supervisory experience required
Sterility assurance experience preferred

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It’s also a place where we help each other be great, we do what’s right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day.

You will learn and work alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues who are equally passionate and committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-centered, and rewarding culture. You will have the opportunity to help shape the trajectory of BD while leaving a legacy at the same time. And through the organization’s investment in BD University, you will continually level up your tech skills and expertise.

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of health. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive. And find satisfaction in doing your part to make the world a better place.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.

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