Microbiology Lab Analyst II

Microbiology Lab Analyst II

Founded in 2009, Pillar5 Pharma Inc. has grown to become an industry-leading Canadian contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) across the North American market. Pillar5 provides access to safe medications, through various partners, in solid dose tablets, capsules and ophthalmics. The team at Pillar5 has proven experience in formulation and process development in the laboratory, the manufacturing environment, and on the plant floor. Pillar5 is currently the only CDMO with the ability to manufacture multi-dose preservative-free solutions.

We are recruiting for a Microbiology Lab Analyst ll. This is an existing full-time position, working Monday to Friday, and is vacant effective June 1, 2026.

The Microbiology Lab Analyst, II ensures the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products through performing microbial analysis on raw materials, finished products, and other critical samples. The role involves executing a variety of microbiological tests, recording and analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment, and supporting investigations into any microbiological concerns, all while upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.

Job duties:

• Perform microbial testing, including microbial enumeration, membrane filtration, microbial identification, gram staining, anti-microbial effectiveness testing, bioburden determination, water analysis, growth promotion testing, media properties testing, total viable spore count, and colorimetric assays.
• Record, analyze, and interpret viable environmental monitoring results from both aseptic and non-aseptic processing areas.
• Prepare and evaluate microbiological media, standards, controls, rinse solutions, and maintain frozen stock cultures.
• Execute validation protocols as required, ensuring proper compliance with standards.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functioning and cleanliness while assisting with inspections and corrective actions.
• Perform calculations, check and interpret results, and input microbiological data into LIMS, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and resolve microbiological issues, supporting continuous improvement in laboratory practices.
• Follow biosafety practices and aseptic techniques within a containment level 2 laboratory environment, ensuring the highest standards of laboratory safety.
• Maintain and troubleshoot Biolog identification systems, order supplies, and complete documentation of temperature monitoring.
• Calibration of the pH meter.
• Prepare frozen stock, release testing, and maintain culture collection.
• Test the quality of Bis, incubation, and read-out of Bis following autoclave validation cycles.
• Print, review, and manage filing of C of As for consumables and dehydrated media.

• B. Sc. in microbiology (four-year) with related experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Other combinations of technical training and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant laboratory work experience.
• Able to work well under pressure and balance conflicting demands of high volume versus the quality of results.
• Sound knowledge of microbiology test methods (USP) and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of gowning and aseptic practices in aseptic processing areas.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma tools is an asset.
• Knowledge of biosafety practices and tools in a containment level 2 laboratory.
• Ability to calculate and perform serial dilutions.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Experience in routine maintenance and operation of autoclaves, biological safety cabinets, centrifuges, microscopes, pH meters, plate readers and automatic pipettors.
• Excellent documentation practices and maintenance of records.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience and knowledge of computerized information systems (LIMS).
• Understanding of good laboratory practices, good manufacturing practices, and the Canadian biosafety.

Wage: $32.93 per hour ($68,500 annually)

Benefits package:

• 15 vacation days.
• Enrollment in company benefit programs, including group health benefits such as basic life insurance, critical illness, disability insurance and AD&D.
• Defined contribution pension plan.
• Eligible for Pillar5 Pharma profit-sharing program.

Pillar 5 Pharma does not rely on artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.