Head of Department - Microbiology

PET Labs is a South African radiopharmaceutical operations company, dedicated to nuclear medicine and the science of radiopharmaceutical production. PET Labs has a vacancy for an experienced and dynamic individual to Head up the Microbiology Department.

Minimum Requirements:
Masters degree in microbiology. Preference will be given to PhD candidates.
Minimum 5 years experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, ideally within a commercial testing laboratory.
Minimum 2 years in a leadership or managerial role.

Operational Requirements:
Proficiency in laboratory management systems, microbiological instrumentation, and data analysis software.
Extensive knowledge of microbiological testing techniques (e.g., sterility testing, endotoxin testing, microbial limits testing, environmental monitoring, antimicrobial testing).
In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements (SAHPRA, PIC/s, USP, EP, ICH, FDA, etc.) and industry standards for pharmaceutical microbiology.
Ability to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals and biological agents.

Recommended Competencies/Skills inter alia:
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to rapidly establish rapport.
Meticulous and organised able to plan, prioritise, multi-task, schedule, distribute and follow-up on workload whilst remaining calm and focused.
Analytical and conscientious meets deadlines, pays attention to detail and ensures quality.
Motivates and empowers staff to reach goals. Creates team spirit and encourages cooperation.
Problem-solving ability should be well-honed. Makes systematic and rational judgments based on relevant information.

Key responsibilities, inter alia, include:
Report to the Laboratory Manager
To oversee microbiological testing services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, driving innovation in testing methodologies and to ensure quality control.
To lead and manage a team of microbiologists, ensuring operational excellence, and collaborating with other departments to meet client and regulatory requirements.
Develop and implement department strategies to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in testing services, while meeting client deadlines.
Drive the development, validation, and optimization of microbiological testing methodologies, ensuring they meet evolving industry requirements.
Serve as a primary point of contact for all microbiological-related inquiries from clients, regulatory bodies, and other departments within the company.
Lead investigations into microbiological deviations, customer complaints, and non-conformance issues, implementing corrective actions as needed.
(Full Job Description available upon request).

Interested candidates who meet the stipulated requirements and wish to be considered, should apply on the link by no later than 7 March 2025.

Please note that no other form of application method will be accepted.
CORRESPONDENCE WILL ONLY BE WITH SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES and Applications will be dealt with in line with the guidelines of the POPI Act.