Senior Technician - Microbiology & Sterility Laboratory – Quality Control - Fixed Term at Verona Pharma

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Job DescriptionSenior Technician - Microbiology & Sterility Laboratory – Quality ControlFixed term: 2 yearsJoin Our TeamAre 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 RoleThe 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:<ul><li>Batch release activities</li><li>Cross-functional investigations</li><li>Data analysis and reporting</li><li>Technical documentation and SOP updates</li><li>Continuous improvement initiatives</li></ul>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 responsibilitiesIn this role, you will:<ul><li>Perform and oversee microbiology and sterility testing of submitted samples.</li><li>Ensure all testing is carried out in line with GMP, pharmacopoeia, dossiers and internal quality standards.</li><li>Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance compliance, productivity and/or cost efficiency.</li><li>Assist with the introduction and validation of new methods, laboratory equipment and biomaterials.</li><li>Support batch release activities according to production priorities, escalating potential supply risks when required.</li><li>Provide data and summaries for Product Quality Reviews and environmental monitoring meetings/reports.</li><li>Update and maintain SOPs and other documentation to keep them current, clear and compliant.</li><li>Support the training and coaching of new and existing staff, maintaining accurate training records.</li><li>Investigate OOS (out-of-specification) and OOT (out-of-trend) results, contributing to root cause analysis and CAPA actions.</li><li>Promote and maintain safe working practices within the laboratory.</li><li>Help ensure the laboratory is always in an audit-ready state; participate in regulatory audits and support closure of any observations.</li><li>Assist with scheduling laboratory work, including participation in weekend and holiday cover as required.</li></ul>About youQualifications<ul><li>Degree in Microbiology or a related Biological Science (or equivalent experience).</li></ul>Skills & experienceYou will bring:<ul><li>Previous practical laboratory experience, ideally in a GMP-regulated environment.</li><li>Strong working knowledge of GMP and quality systems.</li><li>Experience using LIMS with the ability to troubleshoot and train others.</li><li>Experience using SAP, with confidence in supporting and training colleagues.</li><li>Strong written English skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate documentation.</li><li>Proven ability to troubleshoot and support resolution of complex deviations.</li><li>Clear, confident communicator, able to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.</li><li>Excellent time management and the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.</li><li>High attention to detail and accuracy, both in performing tests and in recording/reviewing data.</li><li>A strong commitment to laboratory safety and GMP compliance.</li></ul>What we offer<ul><li>The chance to directly contribute to the reliable supply of vaccines to patients worldwide.</li><li>A senior, hands-on laboratory role with clear opportunities to develop SME status and broader quality skills.</li><li>Exposure to cross-functional teams (Production, QA, Validation, etc.) and regulatory interactions.</li><li>A collaborative, supportive environment focused on scientific excellence, safety and continuous improvement.</li></ul>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.<div></div>Closing date for applications: 13/03/2026Required 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 StandardsPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply <a target="_blank" href="https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld">HERE</a>Current Contingent Workers apply <a target="_blank" href="https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld">HERE</a>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 relocationVISA Sponsorship:NoTravel Requirements:No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):N/aJob Posting End Date:03/14/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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Senior Technician - Microbiology & Sterility Laboratory – Quality Control - Fixed Term

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Verona Pharma

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