Lonza

Manager, Microbiology

US - Tampa, FL Full time

Microbiology Manager

Location: Tampa, FL

Join our Tampa site as a Microbiology Manager, where you’ll lead a high‑impact QC Microbiology function supporting development, clinical, and commercial programs. This is an exciting opportunity to guide scientific strategy, mentor microbiology professionals, and influence product quality for therapies that improve patient lives.

What you will get:

A competitive compensation package. In addition, below is a summary of the benefits we offer:

  • Performance‑related bonus

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) matching plan

  • Life insurance, plus short‑ and long‑term disability insurance

  • Employee assistance programs

  • Paid time off (PTO)

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:

  • Lead day‑to‑day operations of the QC Microbiology laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing across development, clinical, and commercial programs.

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and development for microbiologists and lab technicians while fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

  • Oversee key programs including environmental monitoring, sterility assurance, microbial identification, and method development/validation.

  • Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance, Production, R&D, and client teams to resolve microbiological challenges and support product and process development.

  • Review and approve test data, investigations, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports in alignment with cGMP and global regulatory requirements.

  • Manage QMS/TrackWise records including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and microbiology‑related investigations.

  • Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits, and monitor laboratory metrics to drive performance improvements.

What we are looking for:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field required (advanced degree preferred).

  • Extensive experience in microbiology including leadership or supervisory experience in a cGMP environment.

  • Strong technical knowledge in microbiological techniques, aseptic practices, environmental monitoring, method validation, and data trending.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence cross‑functional partners, and support operational excellence in a fast‑paced setting.

  • Strong problem‑solving skills with experience conducting root‑cause analysis and implementing effective CAPAs.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while ensuring compliance with FDA, EMA, ICH, USP, ISO, and 21 CFR 210/211 guidelines.

  • Familiarity with LIMS systems, digital lab management tools, and risk‑assessment methodologies is a plus.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.