Job Title

This job is with MSD, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly. Job Description Senior Technician - Microbiology & Sterility Laboratory - Quality Control Fixed term: 2 years Join Our Team Are you passionate about microbiology and ensuring the highest standards of product quality? We're looking for a Senior Microbiology & Sterility Technician to play a key role in our Quality Control laboratories. This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on laboratory experience with senior-level responsibility, supporting aseptic manufacturing and contributing to the reliable supply of vaccines to customers worldwide. The role would be ideal for candidates with a background in Microbiology and previous exposure to aseptic manufacturing processes looking to step into a more senior role within the laboratory. Purpose of the Role The Senior Microbiology & Sterility Technician will perform microbiological and sterility testing within the Quality Control laboratories, ensuring compliance with cGMP, pharmacopoeia, and dossier requirements. As a senior member of the team, you will be involved in batch release activities, cross-functional investigations, data analysis and preparation of technical documentation, while promoting a strong culture of safety and compliance. You will also become an SME in the use of LIMS and/or SAP to support users across the site. As a Senior Microbiology & Sterility Technician , you will perform and oversee microbiological and sterility testing within our QC laboratories, ensuring full compliance with cGMP , pharmacopoeia and regulatory dossier requirements. You will be a senior member of the lab team, contributing to: Batch release activities Cross-functional investigations Data analysis and reporting Technical documentation and SOP updates Continuous improvement initiatives You will also develop as a subject matter expert (SME) in LIMS and/or SAP , providing support and guidance to colleagues across the site. Key responsibilities In this role, you will: Perform and oversee microbiology and sterility testing of submitted samples. Ensure all testing is carried out in line with GMP, pharmacopoeia, dossiers and internal quality standards. Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance compliance, productivity and/or cost efficiency. Assist with the introduction and validation of new methods, laboratory equipment and biomaterials. Support batch release activities according to production priorities, escalating potential supply risks when required. Provide data and summaries for Product Quality Reviews and environmental monitoring meetings/reports. Update and maintain SOPs and other documentation to keep them current, clear and compliant. Support the training and coaching of new and existing staff, maintaining accurate training records. Investigate OOS (out-of-specification) and OOT (out-of-trend) results, contributing to root cause analysis and CAPA actions. Promote and maintain safe working practices within the laboratory. Help ensure the laboratory is always in an audit-ready state; participate in regulatory audits and support closure of any observations. Assist with scheduling laboratory work, including participation in weekend and holiday cover as required. About you Qualifications Degree in Microbiology or a related Biological Science (or equivalent experience). Skills & experience You will bring: Previous practical laboratory experience , ideally in a GMP-regulated environment. Strong working knowledge of GMP and quality systems. Experience using LIMS with the ability to troubleshoot and train others. Experience using SAP , with confidence in supporting and training colleagues. Strong written English skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate documentation. Proven ability to troubleshoot and support resolution of complex deviations. Clear, confident communicator, able to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Excellent time management and the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities. High attention to detail and accuracy, both in performing tests and in recording/reviewing data. A strong commitment to laboratory safety and GMP compliance . What we offer The chance to directly contribute to the reliable supply of vaccines to patients worldwide. A senior, hands-on laboratory role with clear opportunities to develop SME status and broader quality skills. Exposure to cross-functional teams (Production, QA, Validation, etc.) and regulatory interactions. A collaborative, supportive environment focused on scientific excellence, safety and continuous improvement. Ready to make an impact? If you're excited by the opportunity to apply your microbiology expertise in a senior QC role and support the delivery of high-quality vaccines, we'd love to hear from you. Closing date for applications: 13/03/2026 Required Skills: Batch Releases, GMP Compliance, GMP Laboratory, Laboratory Analytical Techniques, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Investigations, Laboratory Operations, Microbiological Test, Microbiology, Quality Control Management, Quality Management, Quality Standards Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: Temporary (Fixed Term) Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/a Job Posting End Date: 03/14/2026 A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID: R378389