Microbiologist III

Ventura, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $84,000.00 - $105,600.00

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Generous benefit options eligible first day of employment

Paid training

vacation

Holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Education Reimbursement

401k Program with matching contributions

Learning platform

Job Description

Curia is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Known for its scientific excellence, Curia partners with clients to develop, manufacture, and deliver high-quality drug products and customized manufacturing solutions. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated workforce, Curia is committed to innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance to support the advancement of healthcare products worldwide. The company fosters an inclusive work environment where employees are empowered to grow their skills and careers while contributing to meaningful projects that impact patient health.

The position of Quality Control Microbiologist III located in Camarillo, CA, is vital to Curia’s commitment to ensuring product quality and safety across all manufacturing stages. This role involves conducting microbiological testing, analyzing data trends, and supporting quality investigations to maintain compliance with regulatory standards such as FDA cGMP, USP, ISO, and ICH guidelines. The QC Microbiologist III will lead and participate in quality event investigations, perform environmental monitoring, and oversee product release activities. The role requires strong technical proficiency, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments including Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Technical Services, and Research and Development.

Curia offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid training, vacation, holidays, education reimbursement, a 401K program with matching contributions, and access to a professional learning platform. Commitment to employee growth and work-life balance is evident with flexible working hours to support manufacturing demands. The compensation for this role ranges from $84,000 to $105,600 per year, reflecting experience, education, location, and tenure. Curia values diversity and inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a workplace where all employees can thrive.

This role is crucial for ensuring that microbiological aspects of product quality meet stringent regulatory and internal standards, supporting Curia’s reputation for excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Candidates with a strong microbiology background, experience in GMP sterile environments, and a detail-oriented mindset will find this opportunity rewarding and challenging, with ample room for professional growth and contribution to high-impact projects.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field
Minimum 5+ years' industry experience in a GMP sterile finish or pharmaceutical cleanroom environment
Willing to work flexible hours (nights and weekends), as-needed
Must pass a background check
Must pass a drug screen
May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening
May be required to obtain and maintain gowning certification
May be required to obtain and maintain media qualification

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field
Minimum 5+ years' industry experience in a GMP sterile finish or pharmaceutical cleanroom environment
Willing to work flexible hours (nights and weekends), as-needed
Proficient in the validation/qualification of lab microbiological techniques preferred
Knowledgeable in FDA cGMPs (21 CFR 211)
ISO 9001, 13485 and 17025 a plus
Attention to details and following GMP methods and instructions
Must pass a background check
Must pass a drug screen
May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening
May be required to obtain and maintain gowning certification
May be required to obtain and maintain media qualification

Job Duties

Lead and/or support quality event investigations for out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT) or nonconformance events
Perform environmental monitoring of clean rooms (under ISO and EU specifications)
Perform and review QC testing (Endotoxin, Bioburden, TOC, Conductivity, Growth Promotion Assay, etc.) for manufacturing, raw materials, in-process materials, intermediates and final product
Demonstrate technical proficiency in test procedures and ensure QC activities are carried out using applicable regulatory requirements (FDA, USP, ICH etc.)
Participate in audits, client investigations, and project-related activities
Lead and/or support activities associated with Change Control, CAPAs, client audit response, work orders, etc.
Receive and process samples to meet production/client timelines
Read, trend and report environmental, personnel, in-process, raw material, finish product and water bioburden testing results
Prepare and send out samples for microbiological identification
Ensure QC sample testing (e.g. in-process, lot release, stability, EM, water) and data approval deadlines are met
Work closely and collaborate in a team environment with QC Analytical and Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Technical Services, Materials Receiving, and Research and Development
Ensure the successful implementation and execution of new QC methods/procedures and equipment
Perform trending of QC data and present information to Management
Perform general laboratory housekeeping
Author, review, and approve microbiology test results and analytical methods as needed
Support Manufacturing with client-specific testing requirements
Inspection of media fills