Site Microbiologist

MSD

About The Position

The Site Microbiologist role will involve establishing the Contamination Control Strategy and subsequent Plan at the Wilmington Biotech Campus, ensuring the processes conform to our company's policies and comply with cGMPs, Health Agency regulations and all other applicable governing regulations, with the mission and ambition to manufacture breakthrough medicines from Ireland for patients around the world. Close collaboration with high performance talent from our company's global team and the biotechnology industry to develop and execute multiple Quality Assurance systems and processes will be key, and the successful candidate will inspire the site to build the future of our company's antibody drug conjugates and high potent compounds through a Quality culture that delivers unconstrained supply, that is Right First Time to patients worldwide. Providing training and guidance on the interpretation and implementation of our company's policies and regulatory requirements will also be key priorities for the Associate Director. Throughout the development of the new facility, the successful candidate will focus on commissioning, qualification, and/or validation of the facility, equipment, and process with focus on contamination control. The Site Microbiologist will be responsible for supporting the Operations, Engineering, MS&T and Supply Chain teams, ensuring compliance with cGMP and corporate regulations. This is a critical role within the Quality leadership organization to help create value for our patients.

Requirements

This role requires a seasoned Associate Director with a minimum of 15 years’ experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance or Pharmaceutical, Vaccine or Biological Operations, or Technical Operations.
A self-starter and results-focused, the successful candidate will have strong contemporary knowledge of relevant cGMPs, regulations and current industry trends.
Must have at least 5 years of operational experience in a regulated environment.
Must have 4 years’ experience in Sterility Assurance or aseptic Drug Product manufacturing (liquid and lyophilized product) including clear understanding of aseptic processing requirements (including Annex I).
Demonstrated knowledge of Cleaning in Place, Sanitize in Place, and Aseptic Process Simulation.
Demonstrated understanding of continuous quality / process improvement tools (As defined by the site, e.g. DMAIC, Lean QA, 5S etc).
Exceptional analytical, problem solving & root-cause analysis skills.
Ability to multi-task and handle tasks with competing priorities effectively.
Strong technical aptitude (i.e. able to read & comprehend technical documentation & execute procedures), global regulatory experience & experience interfacing with regulators is preferred.
Strong operations support background ensuring value added and effective quality oversight
A great communicator, decisive decision maker and proven ability to deliver excellence
Strong contemporary knowledge of relevant cGMPs, regulations and current industry trends related to aseptic drug product manufacturing.
Experience with new product introductions and/or process qualification/technology transfer
Demonstrated expertise to effectively communicate within all levels of the organization around concepts of design controls, design verification and validation activities; production & process controls; Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA), complaints & risk management; & product quality improvement using tools such as six sigma, DFR, etc.
Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
Required to work on his/her own initiative in addition to working as part of and leading a team.
Must be able to work across a team matrix to meet accelerated timelines.
Desire to continuously learn, improve and develop.
Ability to facilitate groups with diverse perspectives, and influence and bring teams to consensus and alignment.
Effective communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, to interface effectively with all levels of colleagues and with external customers in a team orientated manner.
Able to demonstrate good judgment in collecting and synthesizing relevant data and information to make independent and timely decisions; communicates influences and escalates issues and decisions as needed.
Planning and scheduling skills, Proven organizational skills, Flexible approach.
Goal/results orientated, Starter/Finisher.
Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Automation, Engineering or in a relevant discipline, the successful candidate will also ideally have a proven track record in delivering excellence.

Nice To Haves

Preferred to have experience in manufacturing low bioburden Drug Substance
Previous experience in site microbiologist role preferred.
Capital Project experience preferred.
Direct experience in antibody drug conjugate manufacturing preferred.
The candidate will also show ambition and drive to develop and advance their career within our company.

Responsibilities

Acting in the role of Site Microbiologist.
Responsible for ensuring that the processes for the manufacture of biologics have been conducted in compliance with GMP, the registered marketing authorization and the associated regulatory requirements.
In-depth knowledge of US and European GMP guidelines, ICH and other international regulatory requirements, as applicable to the site.
Drive compliance direction for the site by ensuring adherence to divisional policies and guidelines as well as regulatory requirements.
Responsible for reviewing and approving GMP documentation to support corporate compliance/regulatory expectations for manufacturing operations.
Assisting in, and facilitating investigations, ensuring effective Root Cause Analysis and CAPAs.
Identify and facilitate major compliance initiatives to improve compliance status and overall operational efficiency of the site.
Be an advocate of continuous improvement in the Quality Management Systems.
Develop and provide oversite of the Environmental Monitoring program
Responsible for the management of the contamination control strategy as well as the contamination control plan.
Drives opportunities for continuous improvement.
Provide direct audit support and participate in response team for audits and inspections by Health Authorities.
Provide support and expertise for the preparation of regulatory submissions, inspection readiness activities, during health authority inspections including interaction with inspectors, responses to inspection observations, and monitoring of follow up actions.