About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Associate Scientist in Microbiology (2nd shift) to perform routine microbiological testing and maintain accurate laboratory records in a pharmaceutical-quality environment.

• Perform microbiological analysis of air, water, raw materials, in‑process and finished pharmaceutical products (including stability samples) following written and compendial methods.
• Prepare and QC culture media (pH, sterility, growth promotion, inhibitory/indicative checks) and maintain organism controls and slants.
• Use aseptic technique, plating, dilution/enumeration and biochemical identification (e.g., Vitek, API) where applicable.
• Prepare samples, run tests, calculate results and document findings in notebooks and computer systems per SOPs.
• Participate in investigations of out-of-specification or unexpected results and escalate to QC leadership as needed.

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Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct purified water and viable air sampling as required.
• Perform daily instrument/equipment checks (balances, incubators) and routine QC checks.
• Operate and monitor autoclave cycles, perform biological indicator checks and verify temperatures.
• Sterilize and decontaminate glassware and labware; assist other microbiologists as needed.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, inventory of media and organisms; remove expired reagents per QC guidance.

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Qualifications

• Education: BA/BS in Microbiology or related life‑science field — required.
• Experience: ~1 year testing clinical or pharmaceutical products preferred; lab internships or coursework considered.
• Skills:
  • Working knowledge of analytical microbiology techniques, aseptic handling and contamination control.
  • Ability to prepare media, perform mathematical calculations for dilutions/enumerations and follow compendial (USP/EP/JP/BP) methods.
  • Familiarity with cGMP requirements in a QC laboratory.
  • Basic computer skills, including MS Office; accurate lab documentation practices.
  • Ability to follow MSDS and safety procedures.
• Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. (Confidential Client will comply with applicable employment eligibility verification laws).
• Shift: 2nd shift availability required.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Base annual pay: $68,000 — $80,000 (range provided by Confidential Client).
• Short‑term incentive opportunity (bonus or performance award) may be available within the first 12 months.
• Competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including health plans and 401(k) matching, plus programs supporting employee well‑being.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Careertakes so we can assist.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.