QC Microbiology Analyst

QC Microbiology AnalystCompany: Klybeck Life Sciences MENALocation: Dammam, Saudi ArabiaEmployment Type: Full-time, On-siteDepartment: Quality ControlCompany DescriptionKlybeck Life Sciences MENA is part of Klybeck Life Sciences, a Basel-based organization with more than 35 years of experience in biopharmaceutical and veterinary product development and manufacturing.The company specializes in developing high-quality vaccines that meet international specifications, utilizing Epi-linked isolated pathogenic strains to maximize immunity against diseases and epidemics worldwide.Klybeck Life Sciences SA operates the first veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. Located in Dammam, the facility produces a wide range of vaccines for poultry, aquaculture, livestock, and companion animals using advanced, internationally recognized production technologies.The facility operates in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant ISO standards, including ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, to ensure high product quality, strong biosecurity, workplace safety, and responsible environmental practices.Role SummaryKlybeck Life Sciences MENA is seeking a qualified and detail-oriented QC Microbiology Analyst to join its Quality Control team at the company’s veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility in Dammam.The successful candidate will perform microbiological sampling, testing, environmental monitoring, culture media preparation, and laboratory equipment operation in accordance with approved specifications, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GMP/GLP requirements, applicable ISO standards, and safety and biosecurity procedures.The role will also support laboratory investigations, method validation and verification activities, internal audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Production, and other relevant departments.Key Responsibilities• Comply with all applicable GMP, GLP, Good Documentation Practices, ISO requirements, laboratory safety rules, and biosecurity procedures.• Perform representative sampling of raw materials, packaging materials, intermediate and in-process materials, finished veterinary vaccine products, culture media, and water-system samples.• Receive, identify, label, log, handle, and store laboratory samples in designated areas under the required storage conditions.• Prepare and test samples collected from different stages of the manufacturing and handling processes.• Perform required microbiological tests according to approved specifications, analytical methods, SOPs, and testing schedules.• Conduct microbiological testing such as sterility testing, bioburden testing, microbial limit testing, bacterial endotoxin testing, water analysis, growth promotion testing, and microbial identification, as applicable.• Perform environmental monitoring of production and controlled areas, including viable air sampling, settle plate monitoring, surface monitoring, personnel monitoring, and other required tests.• Prepare, sterilize, label, store, and control culture media, buffer solutions, diluents, reagents, test solutions, microbial suspensions, and other laboratory preparations.• Ensure that all samples are completely and accurately analyzed and that results are properly reviewed before reporting.• Document all sampling, preparation, testing, monitoring, and equipment activities accurately and contemporaneously in approved test formats, worksheets, logbooks, laboratory systems, and other controlled records.• Maintain complete data integrity, traceability, and compliance with Good Documentation Practices throughout all laboratory activities.• Prepare laboratory reports and documents presenting test results, observations, calculations, and conclusions.• Immediately report out-of-specification, out-of-trend, atypical, invalid, or unexpected results to the Section Supervisor and support the related laboratory investigations.• Support deviation investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and the implementation of approved CAPA activities.• Operate, clean, verify, maintain, and calibrate microbiology laboratory equipment and instruments, including pH meters, balances, autoclaves, incubators, laminar airflow units, biosafety cabinets, PCR systems, egg incubators, air samplers, particle counters, microscopes, and other relevant equipment.• Verify instrument calibration status, cleanliness, operational condition, and equipment logbooks before use.• Maintain laboratory reagents, reference standards, cultures, culture media, consumables, and controlled logbooks under the required conditions.• Participate in microbiological method development, method validation, verification, qualification, and laboratory improvement activities.• Implement newly approved or revised SOPs promptly and ensure consistent compliance with current controlled procedures.• Arrange daily testing priorities in coordination with the Section Supervisor and Quality Control Manager.• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Warehouse, and other relevant functions to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance.• Participate in internal audits, regulatory inspections, GMP activities, laboratory training, and continuous improvement programs.• Maintain cleanliness and organization within the laboratory and ensure the safe handling and disposal of biological, chemical, and contaminated materials.• Promptly report spills, exposures, equipment failures, safety hazards, contamination risks, and other laboratory incidents.• Perform other laboratory and quality-related duties assigned by the Section Supervisor or Quality Control Manager.Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline.• An advanced qualification in microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline is an advantage.• Previous experience in a pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, veterinary vaccine, biological product, or regulated microbiology laboratory is preferred.• Practical experience in microbiological testing, aseptic techniques, culture media preparation, environmental monitoring, and sample handling is preferred.• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, Good Documentation Practices, data integrity principles, and relevant ISO standards.• Knowledge of ISO 14001 environmental management requirements and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety requirements is preferred.• Experience operating, maintaining, verifying, or calibrating microbiology laboratory equipment and related instruments.• Understanding of out-of-specification investigations, deviations, CAPA, change control, and laboratory risk management is an advantage.• Experience with LIMS or other electronic quality and laboratory systems is an advantage.• Experience in veterinary vaccines, biological products, PCR techniques, cell culture, virology, or egg-based vaccine production is highly desirable.Required Competencies• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.• Effective written and verbal communication skills.• Good documentation, organization, and time-management skills.• Ability to interpret microbiological results and identify abnormal or atypical findings.• Ability to follow approved procedures and work effectively in a regulated environment.• Ability to manage multiple samples and testing priorities without compromising quality.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.• Strong commitment to product quality, animal safety, laboratory safety, and biosecurity.• Willingness to work full-time and on-site at the company’s manufacturing facility in Dammam.• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, or extended hours when required by manufacturing and laboratory operations.Preferred Experience• Entry-level to three years of relevant experience.• Pharmaceutical or veterinary vaccine manufacturing experience is an advantage.• Fresh graduates with strong practical laboratory training may also be considered.Qualified candidates are invited to submit their updated CV and mention “QC Microbiology Analyst” in the subject line.