About This Role
The main responsibilities for the Quality Control Associate II Microbiology includes execution of all the Microbiology related testing activities at Biogen’s large scale manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland. Microbiology related analysis at the site will include microbiological identification, bacterial endotoxin test (KCA and KTA), detection of microorganisms (BacT/Alert), growth promotion test and microbial enumeration test. In addition, the Quality Control Associate will contribute to the development and execution of QC Microbiology related supporting studies.
The Quality Control Associate II Microbiology must support all activities to ensure that the instrumentation in WIP labs is prepared for each corresponding unit operation to be performed in manufacturing.
The Quality Analytical Associate II Microbiology should have a background in microbiological analytical methodologies. The Quality Analytical Associate is expected to become a technical expert/SME for classical and rapid methods and its instrumentation. The Associate has to correctly work with cGMP regulated computerized systems which are necessary for the testing workflow as these systems will support the vision of establishing a paper-less lab and ensure the relevant data integrity. The Quality Analytical Associate will support the Microbiology Team with establishing analytical procedures and protocols related to microbiological analysis.
The Quality organization at the Solothurn site is envisioned to be supported by team members with diverse backgrounds that are capable of cross functional work to support the high throughput design of the facility. Quality staff will be focused on incorporating a new operations strategy into the quality management systems, lab systems and business systems. The operational strategy strongly relies on the incorporation of online real-time monitoring, automation of routine testing wherever possible and integrated information technology systems to bring transparency to routine business operations.
What You'll Do
- Support the QC Microbiology team with day-to-day Quality Control operations including test execution and review activities of routine EM and UM samples, as well as MFG support samples (e.g. Cleaning samples) and in-process and drug-substance samples.
- Author and review of GMP documentation (protocols, procedures, CAPAs, deviations, etc.).
- Maintain housekeeping and equipment maintenance including organization, cleanliness, and logbooks,
- Perform timely response to Out of Limit (OOA, OOS) results, including notification to area management. Perform and document laboratory investigations to ensure that potential problems and root causes are identified, impact assessed and actions to prevent recurrent are considered implemented.
- Ensure data integrity is maintained for all applications, programs, and executed work. Ability to document all work using Good Documentation Practices and ALCOA++ principles.
- Perform GEMBA walk-throughs of laboratory areas to maintain compliance,
- Participate in health authorities’ inspections, internal and customer audits.
- Ensure data integrity is maintained for all applications, programs, and executed work. Ability to document all work using Good Documentation Practices and ALCOA++ principles.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate has a background in microbiological analytical methodologies, works with cGMP-regulated computerized systems, and aims to establish a paperless lab. The role involves becoming a technical expert for classical and rapid methods, supporting the Microbiology Team, and participating in cross-functional activities.
Required Skills
- Experience within Biological Quality Control, Microbiology and analytical function. At least 2 years of experience of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environment.
- Apprenticeship degree (Laborant EFZ) in Biology or related Life Science or Technical discipline.
- Analytical skills in Microbiology (Bioburden and endotoxin testing, Growth promotion test, etc…).
- Must have a working understanding of modern analytical microbiological modalities to facilitate the execution of analytical quality strategies.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and cross-functionally.
- Strong presentation and organizational skills.
- Must have strong technical skills and be proficient with typical productivity software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio, etc.).
- Must have proficiencies with the Quality systems and business processes associated with Microbiology testing (drug substance).
- English (minimum level B1).
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
Biogen Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Biogen and has not been reviewed or approved by Biogen.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is generally positioned as competitive and often perceived as fair across roles, with total compensation framed as strong when bonus and equity are included. Compensation sentiment is described as above-average overall, though it varies by function and business cycle.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs are repeatedly highlighted as a meaningful part of the total package, including stock programs and an employee stock purchase plan. Equity and bonus elements are portrayed as important contributors to feeling well rewarded beyond base pay.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off benefits are described as distinctive, including a year-end shutdown and a paid sabbatical after extended tenure. Vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal-significance days are also presented as supportive of work-life needs.
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What We Do
Through cutting-edge science and medicine, Biogen discovers, develops and delivers innovative therapies worldwide for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 1978, Biogen is a pioneer in biotechnology and today the Company has the leading portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, has introduced the first and only approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and is at the forefront of neurology research for conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biogen also manufactures and commercializes biosimilars of advanced biologics. With approximately 7000 people worldwide, we are truly a global organization, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is also home to our research operations. Our international headquarters are based in Zug, Switzerland and we have world-class manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Denmark. We offer therapies globally through direct affiliate presence in 30 countries and a network of distribution partners in over 50 additional countries. For more information, please visit www.biogen.com. Follow us on social media – Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube.
