Microbiologist I

At Argenta, we’re more than a company — we’re a global team, dedicated to healthier animals. We believe that when their lives are made better, we're all the better for it.

Founded in 2006, we support companies big and small to develop and manufacture health products for pets and livestock. Our trusted, innovative solutions and services cover every stage of the process, from molecule to market.

We’re in a unique position. We are the world’s only combined contract research and contract development and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) dedicated to animal health.

Our uniqueness means:

We are ambitious, growing and building a ‘one team’ culture, guided by our values.

• • We are team players;
  • We are doers;
  • We are customer-centric;
  • We are innovators.

We value diversity, as a global company, we get the richness of working with different people in different places whether it be location, stages of their career, their development, their role. We believe that when everyone works together and puts their best “paw” forward we will make the lives of the animals we care for, better.

With bases in New Zealand, the US, the UK and Europe, our 900+ colleagues are driven by our partnership approach and purpose: Healthy Animals. Let’s Make It Happen, Together.

TEAM PLAYERS who want to DO great work and find INNOVATIVE ways to make animals lives better through our CUSTOMER CENTRIC efforts should apply. 

Argenta is currently looking to fill the role of Microbiologist I at our Shawnee, KS location.  Incumbents in this position are responsible for testing of raw materials, intermediates and finished products according to cGMP's in order to ensure satisfactory levels of microbial quality are met. Fundamental microbiological principles are applied in order to interpret test results. Responsibilities also include monitoring of controlled environments to ensure that manufacturing and testing processes occur under appropriate conditions. The incumbent maintains, compiles and reviews laboratory worksheets to assure accuracy of test data.

On a daily basis, the incumbent must plan for and respond to the analytical needs of a laboratory involved in fast turnaround of pharmaceutical analyses to meet manufacturing deadlines. This planning requires good communication, attention to detail, organization skills and the use of the various analytical instrumentation systems and procedures. All incumbents are responsible for following applicable Division & Company policies and procedures.

Key Accountabilities

• Performs testing of raw material, in-process and finished product samples according to approved procedures.
• Perform Environmental monitoring of the manufacturing and laboratory facilities including cleanroom environments, personnel, water systems, compressed gases, and laminar flow hoods.
• Identify microbial isolates using manual or automated techniques per written procedures in a timeframe that supports customer requirements.
• Prepares media, solutions, materials and equipment to support sampling and testing.
• Performs growth promotion and quality testing on media used for microbiological testing, and environmental monitoring in the Microbiology QC Department as needed.
• Maintain the record storage systems in a manner that ensures quick and reliable retrieval of the data as needed.
• Provide support to laboratory projects and assist other team members as needed.
• Adhere to the pertinent aspects of compliance and plant safety programs.
• Critical understanding of proper and thorough laboratory investigations
• Support QA Operations as required for laboratory investigations
• Continuous improvement and assessment of laboratory practices to eliminate over-processing of data
• Adhere to GMP and/or GLP standards as required for daily operations
• Safety first in the laboratories

Qualifications

• BA / BS in a related scientific field such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry.
• 1+ year laboratory experience, which can include academic experience or microbiology laboratory.
• The incumbent should have basic background for the understanding, planning, and execution of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures relating to instrument use, sample analysis, document generation and control, personal safety, and environmental safety.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations (or similar regulated environment) to include Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Basic computer skills are required.
• The incumbent must be able to pass a DEA background check.
• Proven, effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of a wide range of microbiology test methods and instrumentation, including the following:
  • Bioburden testing
  • Endotoxin testing
  • Aseptic technique
• Water quality sampling and testing
• Standing and/or moving >50% of the time

Argenta has strongly embedded company values which is key to who we are and how we deliver. We offer an opportunity to work for a successful and rapidly expanding global business where your input will be valued.  At Argenta we are a hard-working group who really enjoy the people we work with each day. That is why we support our people through strong culture, great benefits, and opportunity for growth.

Argenta is an equal opportunity employer