Microbiology Lab Technician

About Abbott

Abbott is a globally recognized leader in healthcare, committed to enhancing people's lives at every stage. Their diverse portfolio includes diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines, with over 122,000 employees serving across more than 160 nations.

In Ireland, where Abbott has been established since 1946, the company operates ten sites including one in Clonmel, employing over 6,200 people. Abbott's footprint in the Irish healthcare sector covers diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices, and nutrition products.

About Abbott Vascular

Abbott Vascular is a foremost name in vascular care, focusing on improving treatment for vascular diseases through innovative medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Their extensive product range addresses conditions affecting the heart and major arteries, aiding in the prevention of serious health events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Working at Abbott in Clonmel offers an engaging environment rooted in quality, innovation, and teamwork, operating in a high-performance manufacturing facility.

Key Objectives of the Role

• Maintain the microbiology laboratory's operational efficiency while supporting microbiological assays in line with GMP, ISO, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure adherence to Abbott's quality system policies and support initiatives aimed at continuous improvement.
• Contribute to contamination control and environmental monitoring programs within manufacturing processes.
• Uphold health and safety standards within the lab and seek opportunities to enhance environment, health, and safety (EHS) outcomes.

Major Duties

• Execute standardized microbiological assays like bioburden, environmental monitoring, water testing, and product-related analyses in a cGMP-controlled setting.
• Conduct environmental assessments in classified production zones, cleanrooms, and other controlled settings.
• Prepare and maintain microbiological media, reagents, and other lab consumables in line with quality standards.
• Identify microbial species using approved laboratory techniques and technology.
• Perform all laboratory work compliant with regulatory guidelines, Abbott’s quality requirements, and SOPs.
• Support lab equipment upkeep including calibration, maintenance, and routine verifications.
• Develop, review, and update lab documentation, including procedures, specifications, and records.
• Maintain an organized, well-stocked, and inspection-ready laboratory environment with properly labeled materials.
• Engage in validation and qualification tasks such as method validations, equipment qualifications, and sterilisation processes.
• Verify laboratory test data for accuracy and compliance before finalizing results.
• Ensure timely documentation and preserve data integrity following GMP mandates.
• Assist with investigative processes and root cause analysis for microbiological excursions and non-conformance.
• Respond to atypical findings or contamination events promptly, escalating issues as necessary.
• Manage quality documentation including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and non-conformance reports.
• Analyze and report environmental monitoring, water, and microbiological testing trends regularly.
• Promote a "Right First Time" approach regarding quality documentation and records.
• Participate in internal audits, regulatory inspections, and continuous improvement projects.
• Work collaboratively with teams across Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Validation functions.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, or a similar field.
• Ideally, a minimum of two years’ experience in microbiology, quality control, pharmaceutical, medical device, or regulated environments.

Additional Information

Employment offers are contingent upon passing a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening by a company-designated medical practitioner.

Abbott provides health and wellness benefits designed to support employees and their families in living fulfilled lives.