Research Scientist (Technical Lead) – Microbiology – Athlone, Ireland Full-time

Research Scientist – Microbiology

At PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life – enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services.

Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.

Location/Division Specific Information

Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic guides. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.

Discover Impactful Work:

The Research Scientist conducts and provides technical and compliance guidance on scientific method development and validation projects and/or other specialty technologies studies, performs troubleshooting for own and others instruments, methods, procedures, and in writing protocols and reports. Designs and executes method development/validation studies independently and interprets and reviews analytical data for self and others OR designs and executes multiple stability procedures as well as assists others in performing routine maintenance. Troubleshoots and coaches other analysts on multiple techniques including bacterial endotoxin test (LAL gel clot test, kinetic chromogenic, kinetic turbidimetric, alternative method (rFC and/or rRC), sterility testing, microbial limit testing, specified microorganisms, environmental monitoring) Routinely acts as the technical project leader for multiple projects, provide updates, reviews and evaluates data, writes reports and protocols.

A day in the life:

• Independently performs analytical testing, method optimization/validation, and/or other specialist technologies studies for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical compounds in a variety of formulations and/or delivery systems. Understands and conforms to regulations, methods, and protocols applicable to assigned tasks. Designs and completes experiments independently.
• Reviews and critiques study protocols, project status reports, final study reports and other project-related technical documents.
• Prepares and reviews study protocols, project status reports, final study reports and other project-related technical documents.
• Communicates data and technical issues to clients on a weekly basis (or as needed).
• Provides technical mentorship and training to staff.
• Leads analytical (procedural and instrumental) troubleshooting sessions.
• Assists in preparation and implementation of SOPs and quality systems.
• Reviews, interprets, and analyses data for technical, quality and compliance to protocols, methods, SOPs, client criteria and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Performs self and peer review of the data for accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements prior to submission to QA and issuance to customers.

Education and Experience

• Degree or equivalent in Microbiology
• Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 8 + years).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Full understanding of GMP requirements, client SOPs, ICH guidelines, EP and USP requirements, EMA and FDA guidance's
• Experience in Bacterial Endotoxin test (LAL Gel Clot Test, Kinetic chromogenic, Kinetic turbidimetric, Alternative method (rFC and/or rRC) is a plus)
• Experience in Microbial Limit Testing, Specified micro-organisms, Environmental monitoring an advantage.
• Experience in Sterility.
• Experience in Method Validation, Method Verification and Analytical testing is a must.
• Proven experience of method development of microbiology safety tests.
• Proficiency on technical operating systems (including Image Lab software)
• Proven problem solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Ability to independently perform root cause analysis for method investigations
• Proven ability in technical writing skills
• Time management and project management skills
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative work environment with a team
• Ability to train junior staff

Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us. As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values – Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement – working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory with PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Apply today!

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility/Disability Access

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We welcome and encourage applicants from outside of Ireland. We can provide support with immigration and visa needs for successful applicants and dependents, tax consultations and other basic destination services. All other relocation costs are at the expense of the applicant.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 11th November 2025