PLS Associate Scientist I - Microbiology

This is a full-time, onsite, Microbiology Associate Scientist 1 position located in Oakdale, MN.

Training Schedule (First 90 Days): Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Regular Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Compensation: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

The salary for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer. 

Make an Impact. Build a Career.

Pace® Life Sciences delivers a comprehensive suite of contract CMC development, CTM manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. Operating across a network of CDMO sites, GMP analytical testing laboratories, and manufacturing support centers, we partner with clients to efficiently advance programs from early development through commercialization.

Our experienced industry experts and continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities reflect our commitment to quality, speed, and reliability. United by a shared purpose, we bring meaningful value to patients, healthcare professionals, and health businesses worldwide by delivering services that support a safer, healthier future.

SUMMARY

Responsible for providing or overseeing the analysis, administration and oversight of standard microbiology policies, programs and practices; feedback and guidance regarding the analysis of samples using fundamental professional and technical knowledge of microbiology or related instrumentation, wet chemistry testing, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides fundamental analysis in support of standard testing materials, products and/or devices utilizing standard analytical instrumentation; follows Standard Operating Procedures and methods to perform testing.

• Provides fundamental review, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of testing results.

• Overseeing or reviewing, completing, and processing various types of standard microbiology forms, documents, databases, and related materials and information.

• Provides fundamental analysis and interpretation and counsel to staff, management, and functional leaders regarding microbiology policies, programs, and practices; involves standard operations.

• Provides standard research, feedback, and decisions to resolve management and employee questions and requirements; assists with receiving customer feedback and coordinating resources and responses as required.

• Analyzes and reviews process, results, feedback, and related microbiology information on an ongoing to as needed basis to determine trends, draw conclusions, interpret findings, and presents results, proposals, and recommendations to management.

• Ensures the accuracy of more fundamental tests, equipment, actions, procedures and operational databases, reports, and related details through audits, queries, and operational reviews; works with teams to resolve discrepancies; resolves discrepancies or escalates discrepancies to ensure quality assurance in testing process/results.

• Assists with developing or participating in microbiology or cross functional project or program objectives, which includes proposed budgets, timelines, materials, personnel, and other project requirements, receives direction, and presents information to management.

• Cleans, maintains, prepares, and calibrates equipment, samples, and related areas.

• Interprets and applies department policies and procedures and assists with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receives guidance within these areas as needed.

• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.

• Promotes and supports the overall mission of Pace Analytical by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with customers and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Biology, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Required Knowledge

• Fundamental principles, practices, and techniques of microbiology.

• Standard understanding of the administration and oversight of microbiology programs, policies, and procedures.

• Fundamental methods to resolve microbiology problems, questions, and concerns.

• Standard understanding of applicable microbiology laws, codes, and regulations.

• Understanding of standard testing tools, instruments, and calibration.

• Computer applications and systems related to the work.

• Principles and practices to serving as an effective project team member.

• Methods to communicate with staff, coworkers, and customers to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate operations.

• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Required Skills

• Performing fundamental professional-level microbiology duties in a variety of assigned areas.

• Overseeing and administering standard microbiology functions.

• Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.

• Serving as a team member in the development and management of projects.

• Operating in both a team and individual contributor environment.

• Interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

• Preparing fundamental functionals reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

• Using initiative and independent judgment within established department guidelines.

• Using tact, discretion, and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work.

• Performing effective oral presentations to large and small groups across functional peers and the department.

• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related items in a lab and sample setting.