We are currently recruiting for a Shift Microbiologist to join a leading pharmaceutical company in the Macclesfield area on a temporary contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced microbiologist to work within a regulated pharmaceutical environment, supporting cleaning verification and validation activities and ensuring equipment meets the required microbiological and chemical cleanliness standards prior to release.

The Role

As a Shift Microbiologist, you will be responsible for carrying out and supporting routine microbiological activities associated with cleaning verification and validation activities. You will work closely with laboratory, manufacturing and quality teams to ensure sampling, testing and documentation are completed accurately and in accordance with GMP requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out visual inspections of equipment and manufacturing areas following cleaning activities.
• Perform swab sampling from predefined equipment and product-contact locations.
• Undertake rinse sampling where required as part of cleaning verification and validation activities.
• Support chemical residue testing, including checks for API, excipients, detergents and other relevant residues.
• Perform microbiological testing, including assessment of bioburden and, where applicable, endotoxin testing.
• Assess analytical and microbiological results against predefined acceptance criteria to determine whether equipment is suitable for release.
• Ensure sampling locations and methods are correctly documented and traceable.
• Complete and maintain cleaning records, sampling documentation and analytical results accurately and in a timely manner.
• Record, investigate and escalate deviations, atypical results and out-of-specification results in accordance with site procedures.
• Support the review and approval of cleaning verification and validation documentation.
• Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with GMP, SOPs, health and safety requirements and site quality standards.
• Work effectively as part of a shift-based team to support manufacturing operations.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Previous experience working within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare or other GMP-regulated environment.
• Practical experience of microbiological sampling and testing.
• Experience with cleaning verification/validation would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of bioburden and/or endotoxin testing.
• An understanding of GMP requirements and good documentation practices.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to laboratory and sampling activities.
• The ability to accurately interpret results against defined acceptance criteria.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• The flexibility to work within a shift-based environment.

What's on Offer

• Temporary contract with a leading pharmaceutical organisation.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience within a highly regulated GMP environment.
• Exposure to cleaning verification and validation, microbiological testing and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
• Competitive hourly rate.
• Macclesfield-based position.

If you are an experienced Microbiologist looking for your next opportunity within the pharmaceutical sector, we would be keen to hear from you.