Interim QC Technician

Interim QC Technician

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

Role purpose: support the activities of the CGT Catapult’s GMP Quality Control Laboratories and associated infrastructure. Reporting to the Quality Control Lead, this role will help ensure that the CGT Catapult Manufacturing Innovation Centre’s in Stevenage (SMIC) and Braintree (BMIC) meets the standards and expectations of its key stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and both existing and potential new collaborators.

Final date to receive applications:
11 January 2026

Department: S-MIC Quality

Location:

Stevenage (SMIC)

• Support tactical execution of laboratory analysis and result reporting to assure the QC service provision associated with viable environmental monitoring, starting material, raw material, excipient, in‑process, and final product sample testing is maintained in line with each collaborator’s requirements.
• Perform routine viable and non‑viable environmental monitoring in classified areas of the CGT Catapult MICs.
• Perform laboratory analysis and result reporting to assure service provision associated with viable environmental monitoring, excipient, in‑process, final product sample testing, and raw material approval is maintained in line with each collaborator’s requirements and across the CGT Catapult MICs.
• Perform testing for biosafety, e.g., detection of microbial contamination by direct inoculation and by BacT/Alert.
• Complete testing as per GMP requirements.
• Assist in developing and maintaining GMP‑compliant QC laboratory services across the CGT Catapult MICs, working with QC personnel, QA, suppliers, and service providers.
• Undertake additional hours, including weekends and bank holidays, to meet operational demand.
• Willingness to travel to other CGT Catapult sites to support MIC laboratory operations as required.
• Support the sample management function to ensure timely collection, transportation, storage, and lifecycle management of collaborator and CTG‑derived microbiology and environmental monitoring samples.
• Support collaborator raw material sampling activity in accordance with GMP and collaborator requirements.
• Provide support for aseptic process qualifications, such as aseptic gowning, good aseptic practices, media fills, and environmental monitoring, plate reading, and speciation.
• Support other testing needs identified by collaborator agreements and microbiological out‑of‑specification investigations.
• Ensure QC equipment is maintained fit for purpose (qualified and calibrated appropriately with appropriate periodicity).
• Ensure accurate, timely, and GMP‑compliant completion of all documentation and records.
• Maintain traceability of all reagents, materials, equipment, and standards for all GMP sampling and testing activity.
• Participate in out‑of‑trend, out‑of‑specification, and deviation management events and assist in reporting and management of such events to an appropriate and compliant conclusion.

• Proven experience working in microbiology or in an aseptic (bio) pharmaceutical manufacturing environment operating according to GMP.
• Experience of critically evaluating own work practices and procedures and identifying and highlighting any needed improvements.

• Highly motivated, pragmatic and practical to support the mission of the CGT Catapult.
• Self‑motivated with excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, and the ability to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines.
• A “roll‑your‑sleeves‑up” hands‑on attitude towards varying work assignments.
• Resilient, able to manage multiple and varied tasks and prioritise workload for self and others within a fast‑paced environment, with strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and pragmatic, able to learn quickly and respond flexibly to project needs and priorities.
• Ability to work well under pressure, to work independently and take initiative when completing tasks.
• Ability to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Excellent technical‑writing skills and high level of attention to detail.
• Project ownership and pride in its delivery.
• Passion for delivering excellent customer service.
• Proven ability to engage constructively…