Supervisor, Microbiology

Supervisor, Microbiology

Location:

Albuquerque, NM

• Supervise daily operations of the microbiology laboratory, coordinating schedules and task assignments for analysts and technicians.
• Ensure completion of microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and isolate identification in compliance with cGMP, regulatory standards, and company procedures.
• Train, mentor, and qualify laboratory staff in microbiological test methods, equipment operation, and documentation practices; assist with temporary personnel onboarding.
• Monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and raise unresolved problems to the Microbiology Manager.
• Oversee inventory of reagents, media, and test materials; maintain aseptic preparation, timely ordering, and accurate documentation.
• Review and approve attendance records, vacation schedules, and other administrative requirements; implement corrective or disciplinary actions when needed.
• Prepare, revise, and maintain SOPs, protocols, and related documentation.
• Coordinate specialized laboratory activities, including quarterly gamma sterilization dose audits, BI qualification, bioburden audits, and routine analyses such as growth promotion, water testing, and biennial biological indicators.
• Perform and review cGMP documentation and calculations; support investigations as required.
• Assist the Microbiology Manager during internal, customer, and regulatory audits, providing technical input and ensuring laboratory readiness.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional groups (R&D, Technical Services, Laboratory Systems) to support laboratory initiatives and company projects.
• Prepare study protocols, summary reports, and other documentation for the Microbiology Manager or Associate Director, Laboratories.
• Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and uphold quality standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, preferably microbiology or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years in a leadership role.
• Experience validating and qualifying laboratory microbiological techniques.
• Preferred:
  Two years in a GMP or GLP environment.
• Preferred:
  Experience in pharmaceutical cleanroom environments.
• Working knowledge of GMPs and pharmaceutical environments desired.

This role includes leading and supporting a team, overseeing day‑to‑day operations, managing departmental goals, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures, fostering a positive work environment, providing guidance and support, and evaluating performance to drive continuous improvement.

Ability to read and interpret safety instructions, SOPs, technical procedures, and regulations; strong written and verbal communication; effective presentation skills.

Proficiency with arithmetic operations, algebraic and geometric principles, using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Identify problems, collect data, establish facts, interpret technical instructions, and draw valid conclusions.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and manufacturing and internet software.

• Leads with integrity and respect.
• Provides guidance, coaching, and mentorship.
• Demonstrates business acumen and fosters collaboration.
• Promotes a safe and healthy work environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication.

• Must pass a background check.
• Must pass a drug screen.
• May be required to pass occupational health screening.
• May be required to obtain and maintain gowning certification.
• May be required to obtain and maintain media qualification.

Regular lifting (up to 10 lbs frequently, 25 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs infrequently); regular sitting, standing, and reaching; visual acuity with or without corrective lenses; hands and finger dexterity; occasional stooping, kneeling, twisting, crouching, crawling, balancing; may involve climbing, working at heights.

Office environment with conversational noise; pharmaceutical manufacturing environment that is sterile and requires aseptic gowning and PPE; warehouse environment with controlled temperature; potential exposure to wet/humid conditions, confined areas, refrigerated or frozen temperatures, moving machinery, airborne particles, electrical hazards, vibration, compressed gases, and cleaning agents.

Curia is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Curia is an E‑Verify employer.