Quality Lab Associate I
The Quality Lab Associate I supports QC Microbiology Laboratory operations at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, performing microbial and environmental testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products. The role involves using laboratory instrumentation and LIMS, maintaining compliance with cGMP and FDA regulations, and conducting investigations to ensure product quality and safety in aseptic manufacturing environments.
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, a pharmaceutical/biologics manufacturing company.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Schedule & Duration
This is a 12-month contract supporting QC Microbiology at a Confidential Client facility in Round Lake, IL.
- Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday (with some flexibility such as Thursday–Monday). Typical shift options: 7:00 AM – 3:30/4:00 PM or 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Saturday and Sunday hours required; occasional off-shift or holiday work may be required.
Compensation (Estimated)
- Estimated pay: $78,373 per year (estimated).
Important workplace requirements
- Must not be allergic to penicillin, cephalosporin, or related products/minerals due to work in penicillin-handling areas.
- Showers will be required when leaving certain facility areas.
- Only W2 candidates are eligible; third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered.
- Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.
What You’ll Do
Primarily support QC Microbiology Laboratory operations for the Confidential Client’s pharmaceutical/biologics manufacturing facility. Responsibilities include:
- Conduct microbial analyses on raw materials, in‑process, and finished products.
- Perform environmental monitoring (surfaces, air, particulate, personnel) and critical systems monitoring (water, clean steam, compressed air, nitrogen).
- Prepare media and reagents for laboratory testing.
- Operate laboratory instruments (particle counters, pH meters, SAS, autoclave) and use LIMS to collect and record data.
- Monitor and manage inventory of supplies, reagents, media, and equipment; order and stock supplies as needed.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory; perform routine laboratory housekeeping.
- Conduct and document laboratory and nonconformance investigations (data review, root cause analysis, impact assessment, CAPA development).
- Ensure data integrity and compliance with SOPs, FDA, QSR and cGMP regulations.
- Support testing across Drug Delivery and Penicillin facilities as required.
- Contribute to lab projects and other duties as assigned.
Key Testing Areas
- Environmental monitoring (surface/air/personnel)
- Water / critical systems testing
- Bioburden testing
- Bacterial endotoxin testing
- Sterility testing and membrane filtration
- Plate/colony counting
- Finished and in‑process product testing
Qualifications
- 1–2 years experience in aseptic/pharmaceutical microbiology preferred (candidates with ~1–5 years may be considered).
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or biological science required; Biology/Microbiology preferred. Master’s acceptable; PhD typically overqualified.
- Background knowledge of basic biology and microbiology principles, including aseptic technique.
- Proficient with LIMS and comfortable with laboratory computer systems.
- Detail oriented with strong reading comprehension and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Familiarity with GLP and cGMP requirements preferred.
- Demonstrated technical writing skills and experience with structured root cause methodologies (e.g., DMAIC).
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently and in teams.
- Primarily entry-level/routine testing role; candidates with extensive senior experience may be considered overqualified.
Employment Details
- Employment type: Full-time, 12‑month contract (through Confidential Client).
- Location: Round Lake, IL (on-site).
- Only W2 employment considered.
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range