Pharmaceutical Microbiology Analyst

Job Summary

Quality Control North West Liverpool is an NHS regional specialist department responsible for providing a pharmaceutical testing service to NHS and non NHS clients. The laboratories are modern, well equipped and are regulated by the MHRA, to Good Manufacturing Practice and accredited to UKAS to ISO17025. We are based in the Pharmacy Practice Unit, close to the Royal Liverpool Hospital. We are looking to appoint a highly enthusiastic and motivated individual, educated to degree level in Microbiology or related subject, to join our busy Microbiology team. You will have knowledge of a broad range of Pharmaceutical Microbiology Quality Control Laboratory techniques for processing large volumes of samples, with the ability to record data clearly and accurately. You will also form part of our off site environmental monitoring team performing testing of controlled clean room environments at various customer locations in Merseyside and Cheshire. A full UK driving licence is therefore required for this role.

Main Duties of the Job

• To ensure pharmaceutical products are fit for patient use by performing microbiological analyses on products, materials and the environments in which they are prepared.

About Us

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond. For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West. Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services. For roles at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], visit their careers page.

Job Responsibilities

• To carry out microbiological analyses on raw materials, in-process samples and finished pharmaceutical products, working where appropriate in pharmaceutical isolators and safety cabinets. Microbiological tests include: sterility testing, Bioburden testing, Growth Promotion testing, Preservative Efficacy testing and Container Integrity testing.
• To carry out microbiological analysis of environmental samples taken from pharmaceutical production units, aseptic suites and other clean-room areas.
• To accurately record details of tests performed and enter results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), recording the results of all analyses include the enumeration and identification of micro-organisms isolated.
• To approve, under the direction of the section heads, a range of environment test reports as stated in the Quality Manual.
• To take part in the programme of site environmental monitoring of facilities manufacturing and preparing medicines in the North West (both NHS and commercial customers).
• To participate in routine validation and monitoring of processes and techniques within the laboratory, collaborating with senior staff to update systems and practices as necessary.
• To supervise junior members of staff
• To complete debtor request forms for preparation for invoices for external work.
• To deal with routine technical enquiries from customers relevant to the service, referring to senior staff as necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential: Minimum Qualification: Degree (BSc) in Microbiology or in a related Pharmaceutical Science

Desirable: Microbiological specialisation

Experience

Essential: Laboratory experience of practical microbiology testing incorporating aseptic technique.

Desirable: Experience of working in a laboratory operating to similar standards of GLP/UKAS. Familiarity with pharmacopoeial testing. Use of computerised systems.

Knowledge

Essential: Knowledge of a broad range of microbiological techniques. Knowledge of principles of GLP, laboratory H&S and COSHH.

Desirable: Knowledge of environmental monitoring techniques.

Skills

Essential: Excellent practical microbiology skills incorporating aseptic technique and good manual dexterity. Good record keeping and keyboard skills. Ability to process large quantities of samples consistently. A flexible approach to change. The ability to work without direct supervision on routine duties.

Desirable: Ability to identify improvements in work practice. Ability to receive and give instructions and advice

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer Details

Employer name: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Address: Pharmacy Practice Unit, Liverpool, L69 3GF

Employer's website: https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/

Contact for Job Enquiries

Section Head Microbiology: Michelle Mousley

Email: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Phone: [contact hidden]