Part of my Life in the Lab Series.

Here I summarise what each of my scientific roles have entailed.

As a Quality Assurance Microbiologist, what does the day entail?

08:30 hrs – Start shift

• Develop and deliver training
• Update documentation or delegate and meet with subject matter experts

10:30hrs – 15 minute break

• Gather data for annual product reviews
• Pursue special projects
• Pursue signatures on validation reports from other departments
• Contribute to IQ/OQ/PQ of LIMS system
• Control Change Management for new LIMS system

12:30hrs – 45 minute lunch

• Meeting with production managers, supervisor and filling room staff as part of out of specification results investigation
• Oversee and control the of Sterile Media Fill Trial schedule
• Write investigation reports
• Conduct investigative monitoring or delegate
• Map business  processes and improve processes

15:30hrs – 15 minute break

• Perform housekeeping audit (weekly)
• Consult pharmacopeia and Government regulations to ascertain state of compliance
• Review pharmacopeia and Government regulations to ascertain impact of proposed changes and determine appropriate actions
• Issue updated documentation and train staff if training required
• Validate and commission new equipment including writing all validation documentation, creating or updating existing documentation and developing and delivering training to staff arising from this

17:00 – Depart for home

Roles Held

Microbiology Technician – Microbiology Analyst – Senior Microbiologist aka “Microbiology Officer” – Quality Assurance Microbiologist – Non Sterile Microbiology Team Leader