About this Quality Control Analyst - Microbiology role at Strive Pharmacy
Company Overview:
Strive Pharmacy is a personalized compounding pharmacy built on a simple conviction: medicine should fit the patient, not the other way around. We started Strive because we believed the pharmaceutical industry was overdue for a more human approach—one that prioritizes individualized care, clinical nuance, and genuine partnership with patients and providers.
Compounding gives us the tools to do that. Every formulation we prepare is built to the specific needs of a specific person, and every interaction we have is guided by that same commitment to personalized care.
We're growing, and we're looking for people who share that conviction. If you're ready to be part of a pharmacy that takes the work seriously and the people even more seriously, we'd like to meet you.
Mission:
Strive exists to disrupt an industry long overdue for a more personal approach to care. We put the human element at the center of everything: every formulation, every patient interaction, every provider partnership. We're not just a compounding pharmacy. We're a team on a mission to change what personalized healthcare looks and feels like.
Position Overview:
The QC Analyst - Microbiology will partner and collaborate with the manufacturing operations team to ensure environmental control of the aseptic and CGMP manufacturing facility. This position will support the day-to-day activities of the manufacturing and quality control group by performing lot release testing, routine environmental monitoring of the cleanrooms, utility monitoring of the CGMP utility systems, microbial assay testing, maintenance of laboratory supplies, routine EM/UM data trending, and coordination of samples from outside production facilities for release testing and result report generation.
Reports to: Director of Quality
Location: Alachua, FL
Schedule: Monday - Friday, dayshift
Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000
Key Responsibilities:
- Routine activities include:
- Comply with all company policies, procedures, and SOPs.
- Operate and maintain the lab in a neat and orderly way – following procedures and completing/maintaining appropriate records.
- Perform laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration as needed.
- Perform environmental monitoring (air, surface, and personnel) of the cleanrooms and laboratory in support of GMP manufacturing, to include off hours and weekends when required.
- Perform critical utility monitoring (water and compressed air).
- Execute growth promotion of microbiological media and qualification of commercially prepared organisms.
- Perform QC testing on raw materials and in-process products. Generate records in compliance with GMP requirements.
- Thorough and focused execution of laboratory testing (bioburden, endotoxin, plate reading, Biological Indicator testing, etc.).
- Thorough and focused execution of sterility testing, method verifications, and method suitability via the Celsis Advance II Rapid Microbial Detection System and USP <71>.
- Assist with qualification and validation of equipment and related processes.
- Assists in developing, troubleshooting, optimizing complex QC procedures according to regulatory requirements.
- Analyze, document, review and report experimental data in accordance with Strive Outsourcing requirements.
- Assist with data analysis and trending of EM and UM data to ensure a state of control.
- Provide support to the Manufacturing Operations team as needed:
- Assist with training of manufacturing associates on aseptic techniques
- Assist with environmental monitoring and assay related investigations
- Assist with the qualification of manufacturing associates in sterile gowning
- May require occasional early morning, late evening, and/or weekend work.
- Other activities as assigned
Qualifications:
- BS in a Biological Science field (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Virology), or related field and 2+ years of applicable industry experience.
- Experience with cGMPs applicable to the pharmaceutical industry.
- Strong verbal/written and interpersonal communication skills as a team player and willing to work in an environment where individual initiative, collaboration and accountability are valued.
- Able to prioritize and manage through multiple complex processes/projects.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Analytical problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and stay on task in a fast-paced environment without direct supervision.
- Adaptable and flexible in response to a dynamic operating environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with the following microbiology tests: sterility, endotoxin, growth promotion, subculture techniques, environmental monitoring, bioburden, BI testing, compressed gas testing, etc.
- Experience in a compounding pharmacy or outsourced testing facility.
Position and compensation levels are commensurate with level of education and experience.
Role/Site Specific Requirements:
This position may also include the following:
- This role requires extended periods of standing and being on your feet.
- There may be periods of being in a sedentary position for a prolonged period of time.
- Applicants must be able to independently lift up to 20 pounds from a floor position to a waist level position with little to no mechanical assistance.
- Visual acuity such as: working with data & figures, viewing computer terminals, extensive reading, operating machinery, general observations of facilities, etc.
Exposure to the following:
- Use of personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, face protection, other barrier equipment, etc.
- Handling, managing, disposing biohazardous, hazardous and non-hazardous waste (which can include: chemicals, universal and e-wastes, oil, aqueous wastewater, etc.).
- Working in laboratories & production rooms, waste holding areas, or other facilities where hazardous chemicals may be stored or handled.
The items described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Join Us in Making an Impact:
At Strive, the work is real and the impact is direct. Every role here contributes to a patient experience that's more personal, more attentive, and more human than what most people have come to expect from a pharmacy. Apply today and help us raise the bar.
Benefits/ Perks:
Strive Pharmacy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Employer-paid healthcare coverage, effective the 1st day of the following month of your hire date
- Free Strive compounded medications for employees based on a valid patient-specific prescription from a licensed healthcare provider
- Paid time off
- Sick time
- FSA and HSA options
- Parental leave
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Life insurance
- Vision and dental insurance
- Veterinary insurance
Culture:
Culture isn't an afterthought at Strive. It's something we actively build. At our Gilbert, Arizona location, that looks like Food Truck Fridays and Casual Fridays. Company-wide, we also celebrate throughout the year with holiday potlucks and seasonal gatherings. We're committed to supporting the personal and professional growth of every employee, inside and outside the workplace.
EEO:
Strive Pharmacy is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state or local laws.
Disclaimer*** Please do not call the pharmacy location with questions about your application or interview. A talent acquisition partner will reach out to you.
