Microbiology Supervisor

About the role

You are a hands-on microbiology professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. As a working supervisor, you will lead the Microbiology Laboratory while actively performing testing, troubleshooting issues, and supporting daily laboratory operations. You balance technical execution with team leadership, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure product quality and effective microbiological controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Microbiology Laboratory while remaining actively involved in daily testing and laboratory operations.
• Perform microbiological testing, prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, analyze results, and troubleshoot testing issues.
• Develop and improve microbiological testing methods, laboratory procedures, and internal testing capabilities.
• Train and provide technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FDA regulations, cGMP, GLP, GDP, and company procedures.
• Communicate failing or out-of-specification (OOS) results, document deviations, and support investigations and corrective actions.
• Monitor microbiological trends and recommend improvements to laboratory processes and manufacturing controls.
• Manage third-party testing laboratories, departmental budgets, equipment maintenance, and calibration requirements.
• Evaluate new laboratory equipment and support qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ), as applicable.
• Partner with Quality, Production, and R&D to resolve issues and maintain product quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive microbiological testing experience in personal care, cosmetics, OTC, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing, laboratory equipment, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of microbiological controls, GMP requirements, laboratory documentation, and investigations.
• Previous experience training, coaching, or providing technical guidance to laboratory personnel preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on testing with supervisory responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Vision requirements: ability to perform tasks involving close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; ability to visually compare colors against established reference standards, including standard color solutions or approved reference materials; ability to accurately identify color-coded labels, status tags, and chemical hazard warnings.
• Sensory evaluation (odor detection): ability to detect and differentiate odors during evaluation of raw materials and finished products per USP monographs/internal specs, including identifying unexpected or OOS odors indicating contamination, degradation, or spoilage.
• Material/product appearance evaluation: ability to visually evaluate appearance of raw materials and finished products per USP monographs/internal specs, including identifying irregularities or deviations from established standards.
• Capable of light to moderate lifting, handling pails and boxes weighing 20 pounds or less.
• Capable of standing for extended periods, up to 70% of an 8‑hour shift.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) with company contributions to help you plan for your future.
• Generous PTO & Leave: Paid time off, volunteer time, bereavement leave, and