Sterility Assurance Scientist

Title: Sterility Assurance Scientist Location: Concord, NC Duration: 6 Month Contract (potential of extension) Responsibilities: The Sterility Assurance Scientist is a technical role that assists in development and implementation of the sites sterility assurance programs and provides technical guidance and expertise in environmental monitoring, contamination control, aseptic process simulations, gowning/aseptic techniques, and cleaning/sanitization strategies, including disinfectant efficacy. The principal role is a position that develops and implements a technical agenda and is responsible for providing technical leadership for the Parenteral Process Team. The principal role is also expected to serve as a mentor within the TSMS team and engage in upstream and external to site activities related to sterility assurance contamination control strategies are established. Key Objectives/Deliverables (Associate/Senior) Ensure and provide oversight and technical guidance for sterility assurance programs at the manufacturing floor level. Lead or provide technical oversight for Provide technical support for activities related to sterility assurance programs including but not limited to: Airflow Pattern Testing Environmental Monitoring Performance Qualifications Aseptic Process Simulations Cleaning, Sanitization, and Disinfection Gowning within GMP Classified Areas Aseptic Processing Techniques Contamination Control Assist in the development and implementation of processes and facility monitoring to ensure effective contamination control strategies are established. (Senior) Lead or assist in the development and implementation of processes and facility monitoring to ensure effective contamination control strategies are established. (Senior) Lead/assist with support and/or provide technical expertise for developing the sites contamination control strategy and cleaning and sanitization program/strategy, and disinfectant efficacy strategies. (Senior) Lead/assist with support and/or provide technical expertise for the facilitys cleanroom gowning and aseptic technique strategy/program. (Principal) Knowledge in pharmaceutical Microbiology, related to microbiological media, microbiological enumeration techniques, and microorganism isolation and identification. (Principal) Lead/provide technical oversight for one or both the Environmental Monitoring (EM) or Aseptic Process Simulation (APS) program: (EM) Authoring EM Performance Qualifications (EM PQ) and overseeing the execution. (EM) Evaluating EM data and authoring EM Trend Reports. (EM) Assist with identifying facility environmental isolates and how to create and maintain environmental isolated cultures. (APS) Authoring APS protocols and overseeing the execution. (APS) Evaluating the APS data, including personnel qualifications, and authoring APS reports. (APS) Assist with tracking and tending APS to ensure all regulatory requirements and Global Quality Standards are met for each manufacturing line/process. Apply sterility assurance risk management to evaluate manufacturing processes and associated controls with respect to potential introduction of microbial, endotoxin, and particulate contamination. Analyze microbial and manufacturing data to identify trends, process discrepancies, and opportunities for continuous improvements. Lead or provide technical support for root cause investigations associated with sterility assurance programs. Participate and/or provide technical sterility assurance support during internal and external audits. Create, execute, review, and/or approve technical documents and change controls related to sterility assurance programs. Work within cross-functional teams to implement TS/MS objective and deliver on business and quality objectives. Basic Qualifications: Bachelors or masters degree in microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related scientific discipline. Demonstrated understanding and relevant experience of scientific principles required for manufacturing parenteral drug products within operations, microbiology, environmental monitoring, sterility assurance, validation, technical services, and/or quality assurance associated cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing. (Senior) 2+ years in pharmaceutical manufacturing (Microbiology, TSMS, Sterility Assurance, or related dept). (Principal) 5+ years in pharmaceutical manufacturing (Microbiology, TSMS, Sterility Assurance, or related dept). Additional Skills/Preferences: Possess strong interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally within a team. Possess strong self-management and organizational skills. Possess strong oral and written communication skills for communicating to colleagues, management, and other departments. Experience with data analysis and trending. Ability to wear appropriate PPE and other safety related equipment or considerations in manufacturing warehouse, or laboratory areas. Ability to gown into facility dedicated cleanroom attire, as required to perform job responsibilities. Additional Information: Role is Monday through Friday based and will be phased from a project support role to a routine support role as the development facility and processes progress. Must be flexible in providing support to accommodate other inputs (production schedules, shutdowns, etc.). Occasional extended hours and / or off-hour work may be required. Tasks may require repetitive motion and standing or walking for long periods of time. Travel may be required during the project phase for training and implementation of sterility assurance programs. This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the job requirements at the time it was prepared. The job requirements of any position may change over time and may include additional responsibilities not specifically described in the job description. For GMP purposes, the job description should be updated for significant changes. As always, you should consult with your supervisor regarding your actual job responsibilities and any related duties that may be required for the position.