Microbiology Technical Specialist - Contract

Microbiology Technical Specialist – Contract Kelly Science & Clinical | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Location: Tampa, FL Area | Local Candidates Only Job Type: Temporary / Contract Start Date: ASAP Schedule: Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend work and flexibility required Compensation: Competitive, based on experience Position Overview Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking an experienced Microbiology Technical Specialist for a contract opportunity supporting a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Tampa, FL area. This position is ideal for a former Microbiology Supervisor, Microbiology Manager, or senior-level Microbiology professional with extensive hands-on laboratory experience who is looking to transition into a technical leadership and compliance-focused role. The selected candidate will provide technical oversight and support for microbiology laboratory operations, regulatory compliance activities, investigations, qualifications, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a non-testing, non-people-management role. Candidates must possess a strong foundation in hands-on microbiology testing and be comfortable independently managing technical responsibilities, troubleshooting laboratory challenges, and driving projects to completion. Key Responsibilities Provide technical support and subject matter expertise for microbiology laboratory operations, with an emphasis on bioburden testing and pharmaceutical microbiology.Support regulatory inspections, audit readiness, and laboratory compliance activities in accordance with applicable GMP and pharmacopeial requirements.Lead and support laboratory investigations, deviations, root cause analyses, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and change controls.Author, review, and execute technical protocols, qualification documentation, investigation reports, and other GMP documentation.Support media qualifications, equipment qualifications, performance qualifications (PQ), and sterilization-related activities.Collaborate with cross-functional teams on laboratory automation initiatives, including automated plate-reading systems and updated microbial identification technology.Provide technical input and execution support for equipment implementation, validation, and qualification projects.Troubleshoot microbiological testing processes, laboratory equipment, and technical issues to ensure timely resolution.Participate in project meetings, technical discussions, and cross-functional initiatives involving microbiology and sterilization processes.Coordinate technical deliverables, track project progress, and proactively address challenges to maintain established timelines.Utilize electronic quality and laboratory systems to manage documentation, investigations, change controls, and laboratory records.Maintain compliance with GMP, applicable regulatory requirements, internal procedures, and laboratory quality standards. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline preferred.Minimum of 5 years of relevant microbiology experience, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or contract manufacturing (CDMO) environments.Previous hands-on microbiology laboratory testing experience, particularly bioburden testing.Strong working knowledge of pharmaceutical microbiology, GMP requirements, and applicable USP/pharmacopeial standards.Demonstrated experience supporting laboratory investigations, CAPAs, deviations, change controls, and technical documentation.Experience authoring or reviewing protocols, technical reports, and qualification documentation.Ability to independently troubleshoot complex technical issues and coordinate multiple projects.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.Must be local to the area or within a reasonable commuting distance. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience as a Microbiology Supervisor, Senior Microbiologist, or Senior Microbiology Technician.Experience in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly injectable products, aseptic processing, and classified manufacturing environments.Knowledge of environmental monitoring, contamination control, and microbiological requirements for controlled environments.Experience with media qualifications, equipment qualifications, performance qualifications, and sterilization processes.Experience supporting laboratory automation, microbial identification systems, or automated plate-reading technologies.Familiarity with endotoxin testing.Experience using electronic quality and laboratory systems such as Documentum, CATSWeb, TrackWise, GLIMS, or comparable platforms.Background in pharmaceutical manufacturing, sterile injectables, medical devices, or CDMO operations. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a technically strong microbiology professional who can quickly step into a laboratory technical support role and contribute with minimal oversight. This individual will bring a combination of hands-on microbiology expertise, regulatory compliance knowledge, investigation experience, and strong project execution skills. Success in this position requires someone who is confident, self-directed, detail-oriented, and comfortable taking ownership of technical activities while collaborating with laboratory leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. This opportunity is particularly well suited for an experienced Microbiology Supervisor or senior-level laboratory professional who enjoys solving technical problems, improving processes, and supporting regulatory compliance without direct personnel management responsibilities. Why Join Kelly Science & Clinical? At Kelly Science & Clinical, we connect talented scientific professionals with opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries. This contract opportunity offers the chance to contribute to critical microbiology compliance activities, laboratory modernization projects, and technical initiatives within a regulated manufacturing environment. Apply today to learn more about this exciting opportunity with Kelly Science & Clinical! Kelly is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to qualified candidates. As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community. Why Kelly® Science & Clinical? Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. 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