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_QualTex Laboratories is an FDA-registered and CLIA-certified organization that provides state-of-the-art, high volume capacity donor screening and biological testing services. It is one of the largest independent, nonprofit testing laboratories in the United States and has locations in San Antonio and Atlanta_

Job Title: Manager, Microbiology

Revision: 0002

Job Code: 701212

Shift: Day Shift

FLSA: Exempt

Hybrid? N

Dept.: Microbiology Laboratory

Business Unit: QualTex-SA

CPF Level: M2

General Summary

The Manager, Microbiology is primarily responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Microbiology Laboratory at QualTex while also contributing to the department’s strategic direction and growth.

This role ensures the highest standards of quality and compliance and efficiency in microbiological testing by managing laboratory personnel, maintaining robust standard operating procedures, and ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and company policies.

The Manager will work closely with the supervisor to support day-to-day lab functions and will also lead initiatives in method development, validation, and suitability studies.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the management of outsourced Microbiology work, coordinating activities with contract laboratories, and collaborating with internal departments to support product development and quality initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to drive both tactical execution and forward-looking improvements.

The Manager, Microbiology will focus on planning, executing, problem-solving, and providing Microbiology work.

This individual will define and perform scientific tasks and activities related to Microbiology including support of development, method development and validation, and method suitability studies.

Commit to and abide by the character of BioBridge Global’s Core Values of Accountability, Stewardship, Pioneer, Integrity, Respect and Excellence (ASPIRE). Support, communicate and reinforce the mission and vision of the enterprise.

Provide world class customer service by capturing and being responsive to the voice of the customer (internal or external, including donors for select positions) through multiple feedback channels in order to resolve issues and drive satisfaction in accordance with the BBG customer engagement, feedback, and complaint processes.

It is essential that the incumbent have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old with a good driving record to meet organization driving standards.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Tasks

Lead and support the Microbiology team in collaboration with the supervisor, ensuring efficient daily operations and high-quality testing outcomes.

Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and ensure alignment across operational levels.

Drive departmental initiatives focused on process improvement, innovation, and operational efficiency. Support the development and implementation of new microbiological methods, technologies, and workflows.

Ensure all equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and validated per regulatory and company standards.

Monitor and analyze departmental performance metrics, using data to inform decisions and recommend improvements.

Ensure all microbiological testing is performed in compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USP, EP) and company standards.

Oversee documentation, training, and audit readiness in partnership with the supervisor.

Manage relationships with contract laboratories and coordinate outsourced microbiology work.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.

Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits and inspections.

Communicate effectively with senior management, providing updates on laboratory performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives.

Performs other duties as needed to enable efficient operation of the laboratory; may include laboratory inventory and ordering, submission of samples to external testing facilities, and laboratory housekeeping.

Strong interaction and collaboration with internal partners: Supply Chain, Clinical, Quality Assurance, Project Management to support product development, manufacturing, and quality initiatives.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Tasks

Run departmental errands.

Education

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field. Master’s Degree or PhD preferred.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Valid United States Driver's License

Categorical Certifications preferred

Certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MT) or equivalent preferred

Experience

Requires five years of experience in a microbiology laboratory.

Requires two or more years of leadership/supervisory experience.

Requires in-depth knowledge of microbiological testing methods, quality control principles, and regulatory requirements.

Requires strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and develop staff.

Requires excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

Requires effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Requires proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard office software.

Strongly prefer experience in manufacturing and/or testing of regenerative products.

Knowledge

Must have a thorough understanding of performance metrics and their use in strategy management.

Must obtain a working knowledge of regulatory/quality requirements and perform within all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.

Must have a working knowledge of Microbiology laboratory sciences and techniques.

Must have knowledge of various strategic planning methods and tools.

Knowledge of business process analysis.

Skills

Must have excellent project management skills.

Must have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Must have excellent analytical skills to determine root cause and risk elements while considering alternative courses of action.

Must have strong computer skills.

Must be capable of evaluating, interpreting and reporting accurate/valid test results by current testing methodologies.

Must have experience using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Visio, PowerPoint and Excel. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Must be capable of operating motor vehicles in all types of weather conditions.

Abilities

Must be a self-starter and self-directed worker.

Must be able to keep information confidential. Must be neat in appearance and well groomed.

Must be professional, detail oriented, self-motivated, innovative, creative, assertive, organized, communicative, and have the ability to work independently.

Must have ability to mentor and develop staff while ensuring accountability

Working Environment

Works in a well-lighted air conditioned and heated laboratory/department.

May be exposed to electrical, mechanical and chemical hazards and other conditions common to a laboratory environment.

May be exposed to blood borne pathogens and other conditions common to a clinical laboratory environment.

May have bodily exposure to refrigerator/freezer temperature, especially hands and face.

Will work extended hours during peak periods.

May be required to work any time of the day, evening or night during the week or weekend.

Occupational Exposure Assignment - Category I

Physical Requirements

Must be able to travel up to 20%.

Must be able to drive on behalf of the organization.

Will sit, stand, walk, and bend during working hours.

Requires ability to reach, lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.

Requires normal or corrected vision and hearing corrected to a normal range.

We invest in our people by offering competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with the first blood center in America to receive the ISO 9002 accreditation!

All Full Time Positions Qualify for an Affordable and Competitive Benefits Package to include:

• Competitive salary

• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance

• 401(k) with Employer Contribution

• 100% Employer Paid Long-term Disability Plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 100% Employer Paid AD&D

• Extended Illness Benefits (EIB)

• 100% Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Shift Differentials

• Group Health Medical Plan with prescription coverage

• Paid Holidays

• Variety of Voluntary Supplemental Insurances

• Incentive Compensation Plan

• Voluntary Dental Coverage

• Educational Assistance Program

• Voluntary Vision

QualTex Laboratories, a subsidiary of BioBridge Global, is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. For more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here . QualTex Laboratories maintains a Tobacco & Drug-Free Workplace.