Part of my Life in the Lab Series.

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

As a Microbiology Team Leader (non sterile laboratory), what does the day entail?

08:30 hrs – Start shift

Check how everyone is going today
Determine what needs to be done in next two months and delegate
Spot check equipment calibration labels
Conduct sampling of Purified Water system if short staffed
Followup with other departments regarding on going projects
Update documentation or delegate and meet with subject matter experts
Check and signoff on environmental monitoring data (worksheets) or delegate
Ensure any followup sampling has been completed, if not find out why and reschedule
Interview prospective staff

10:30hrs – 15 minute break

Check how everyone is going
Validation and introduction of equipment such as dust containment hoods and flammable liquid containers
After developing, deliver special training to production, eg Microbiology for non-microbiologists
Conduct antibiotic potency testing if short staffed (also method trouble shooting)
Read and record viable environmental monitoring results if short staffed
Train staff in sampling techniques or delegate
Pursue special projects or delegate
Sign off on environmental monitoring data
Delegate the testing of “urgent samples” and manage expectations of requestor
Meet with product representatives
Schedule and chair regional meeting of microbiologists as part of information sharing and method harmonisation
Conduct performance reviews of team

12:30hrs – 45 minute lunch

Check how everyone is going
Schedule or delegate external testing
Review the regulations for gaps and improvements
Formulate media if short staffed
Meeting with production managers, supervisor and filling room staff as part of out of specification results investigation
Write investigation reports
Deliver training to team (routine and special)
Conduct investigative monitoring or delegate
Investigate and report on environmental monitoring trends

15:30hrs – 15 minute break

Check how everyone is going
Attend site consolidation project meetings
Conduct internal audit (about every 6 months based on schedule)
Ensure OH&S is being followed (this is a constant thing every time I enter then lab)
Continue tasks from earlier in the day
Contribute to yearly budget
Catch up meeting with lab manager
Travel to other company sites in same city for meetings
Examine training status of team and schedule training / update records
Issue updated documentation and train staff if training required
Determine if tasks scheduled for tomorrow
Determine if there is anything that needs the later afternoon shift or night shift to be aware of

17:00 – Depart for home

Microbiological Musings