Who We Are – Ovagen Group Limited
We are an innovation based biotechnology company that has developed a proprietary process of producing the world’s first Germ Free eggs, for use in vaccine manufacture and other pharmaceutical and research applications. Germ free eggs are the highest quality products available to produce medicines like vaccines, reducing contamination and the need for antimicrobials, as well as improving sustainability and environmental impacts. We also specialise in avian transgenic technology and we have a fully equipped transgenic laboratory.
As the first company in the world to produce commercial quantities of Germ Free eggs, from our state-of-the-art avian facility, we have recently been awarded €10M funding by the European Commission and plans are in place to build two additional Germ Free production facilities and a logistics building, with which we will scale production to four million Germ Free eggs annually.
At Ovagen, we pride ourselves on scientific excellence, and we are passionate about the impact of our disruptive technology in transforming the way vaccines are produced to give security of supply and improve global immunisation coverage.
About The Position
Ovagen’s commercialization plans are now being accelerated leading to the expansion of our Operations team. Additionally, a series of studies over the next year are likely to show additional key advantages of Germ Free eggs, greatly increasing product demand.
The primary function of this position is to provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to the Production teams. Liaise with the Operations manager on company goals / targets while managing the daily activities of the Production teams,
This position of Microbiology Labaratory Lead is a key appointment and the successful candidate will report directly to our Operations Manager in our HQ in Ballina, County Mayo.
Key Responsibilities Include;
- Support the scale up of Ovagen’s production operation in delivering on our ambitious plans to service the global vaccine, oncology & therapeutic industries by the efficient processing and accurate reading/reporting of Microbiological samples
- Ensure Regulatory & Quality compliance is applied to SOP writing/updating and the periodic reviews of same.
- Be familiar with relevant regulations provided by the European (EP) & American (USP) Pharmacopeia.
- Ensure all documented procedures are being followed & all logbooks/documentation is completed in real – time and is right first time (RFT).
- Building, leading & developing a strong Microbiology Lab team with assistance/mentoring from the Ovagen Management team.
- Perform EM, water, Microbial limit testing, Bioburden testing and sterility testing using laboratory techniques / cGLP. quality control, and utilizing laboratory skills.
- Be involved in any/all investigations arising from positive results, non-conformances and/or human error deviations.
- Review & interpret all routine & requested Microbiology results.
- Record/tabulate Laboratory results and present at management meetings
- Quality Control (QC) checks, preparation & revision of SOP’s, qualification/validation of test methods
- Lead continuous improvement projects for the current Laboratory processes
- Conduct routine Preventative maintenance on all Laboratory equipment and scheduling of routine servicing of the Laboratory equipment and to ensure that the Laboratory is stocked with all the materials & consumables that are necessary
- Supervise/maintain the flock sampling schedule and compile/review results.
- Ensure all gowning & PPE is being worn correctly in relevant areas.
Additional Responsibilites;
- Manage and co-ordinate Laboratory team members daily/weekly tasks while evaluating areas of individuals strengths & weakness & to mitigate these.
- Have strong leadership skills, including team building, relationship building and effective stakeholder management.
- Have excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Have solid planning capability.
- Identify and implement cost saving opportunities.
- Responsible for the preparation and revision of Laboratory SOPs
- Identify opportunities to improve processes.
- Ensure full compliance with all Quality, Regulatory, HR, HSE requirements.
- Provide support to the rest of the Company’s Senior Management team as required.
- Have high energy and resilience level, team building skills and an ability to anticipate and address potential issues
- Any other duties/responsibilities that may be assigned (to him/her) by the Operations Manager or Senior Project Director.
Requirments;
Microbiology Lead
Education:
- Level 8 Degree in relevant Microbiolgy discipline, Masters/PhD in a Micro discipline would be a distinct advantage
Experience:
- 3 – 5 years in regulated GLP environment
- Previous experience in vaccine manufacturing industry would be a benefit
- Exposure in dealing directly with suppliers & customers would also be an advantage
- Exposure to people management is beneficial but not essential
- Background/exposure to aseptic techniques & isolators is beneficial
- IT proficiency: MS Office experience is essential
What we Offer
This is a senior commercial and operational role, and the successful candidate will enjoy a generous package befitting of this. This is an opportunity to join a positive and dynamic team at Ovagen Group, at an exciting time when we are poised and ready for growth.
If you are interested in applying to the role, please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]