Job Description

QC Technical Specialist (Microbiology)

Night Shift –

Week 1: 7pm – 7am (Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun)

Week 2: 7pm – 7am (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

Location: Athlone, Ireland

Help drive quality, innovation, and continuous improvement

Are you passionate about microbiology, quality, and solving complex technical challenges? We're looking for a QC Technical Specialist to join our Quality Control team in Athlone.

In this role, you'll be a key technical leader within the QC laboratory, helping to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compliant laboratory operations that support both clinical and commercial manufacturing. You'll provide expertise across microbiology testing, laboratory investigations, method validation, new technology implementation, and quality systems, while collaborating with colleagues across the wider business to drive continuous improvement.

You'll also play an important role in issue management, problem solving, and laboratory leadership, supporting operational activities and helping the team deliver excellence every day.

What you'll do

As a QC Technical Specialist, you will:

• Provide technical leadership across microbiology testing, environmental monitoring, and sterility assurance activities.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the QC laboratory, ensuring activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support validation and qualification activities for microbiological test methods and laboratory systems.
• Partner with colleagues to develop, implement, and optimise Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Lead and participate in Quality Risk Assessments and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage complex laboratory investigations, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Facilitate Practical Problem Solving (PPS) sessions to support issue resolution and process improvement.
• Review, interpret, and approve microbiological data, validation protocols, technical reports, and investigations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Technical Services, Analytical Development, and Technical Operations, to assess quality and product impact.
• Support audit readiness through robust investigation management and clear documentation.
• Contribute to regulatory inspections and customer audits, representing the QC function when required.
• Provide technical support and training to laboratory colleagues, helping to develop capability across the team.
• Support laboratory scheduling, workflow management, sample coordination, and testing activities, including leadership responsibilities during supervisor absence and night shift operations.
• Drive projects focused on laboratory efficiency, innovation, process optimisation, and new technology implementation.
• Act as a technical escalation point for troubleshooting and resolving complex analytical and laboratory issues.

What you'll bring

Essential qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated laboratory environment.
• Strong understanding of Quality Control operations, microbiological testing, and GMP requirements.
• Experience leading or supporting investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation.
• Knowledge of microbiology method validation, qualification, and lifecycle management.
• Experience working with laboratory systems, including LIMS.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to manage complex technical challenges.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple functions and levels within the organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Desired skills and experience

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline.
• Experience within the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Experience providing technical leadership or mentoring within a laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections and customer audits.
• Knowledge of sterility assurance, aseptic manufacturing, and microbiological quality systems.
• Familiarity with Continuous Improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence programmes.
• Experience working within a global, matrix, or multi-site organisation.
• Strong digital literacy, including experience with digital platforms and a working knowledge of AI tools and technologies.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality and patient safety while working at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

You'll join a collaborative team where innovation is encouraged, new ideas are welcomed, and professional development is actively supported. You'll have the opportunity to work on complex technical challenges, lead meaningful improvement initiatives, and develop your expertise alongside talented colleagues across the organisation.

Our commitment to inclusion

We believe diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives make us stronger. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Even if your experience doesn't match every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply if you're excited about this opportunity and believe you can contribute to our team.

Date Posted

28-Aug-2026

Closing Date

11-Sept-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.