The Director, Microbiology provides strategic and operational leadership for microbiology research, new product development (NPD), and applications services supporting the Growth Direct® System and its applications.

This role is responsible for leading microbiology-driven innovation, overseeing laboratory operations, directing technical strategy for product development programs, and serving as a pharmaceutical microbiology subject matter expert (SME). The position partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Quality, and Commercial teams to deliver validated, compliant, and market-ready solutions.

The Director ensures scientific rigor, regulatory compliance (GLP/GMP), portfolio prioritization, budget stewardship, and talent development while aligning microbiology initiatives with company growth objectives and customer needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads microbiology strategy for new product development initiatives, including sterility testing, environmental monitoring, bioburden, and experimental applications for the Growth Direct® System.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of the R&D microbiology laboratory, including resource planning, workflow optimization, equipment management, and budget control.
• Directs experimental design, validation studies, and feasibility programs within GLP/GMP frameworks.
• Provides technical leadership for growth media formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing validation.
• Serves as a microbiology SME for cross-functional product development teams, supporting design requirements, design verification, risk assessments, and regulatory submissions.
• Manages laboratory personnel, including hiring, performance management, mentoring, and career development.
• Ensures compliance with safety protocols, quality systems, and laboratory best practices.
• Oversees demo laboratory operations and customer application projects, supporting commercial growth and key account strategies.
• Partners with Quality and Manufacturing teams to align best practices and ensure scalable, compliant solutions.
• Reviews and approves complex technical reports, validation protocols, and study results.
• Leads technical investigations, root cause analyses, and risk-based decision-making related to customer support activities.
• Supports global customer engagements, technical presentations, and strategic account initiatives.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost optimization, and scientific advancement.
• Manages laboratory inventory, capital planning, and instrument asset utilization.
• Completes special strategic projects including competitive analysis, statistical studies, and product feasibility assessments.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or related life science discipline required. Master's degree preferred.

Work Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, CRO, CDMO, or regulated laboratory environments, including leadership experience in GLP/GMP settings.

Technical Experience

• Sterility testing, bioburden, and environmental monitoring
• Rapid microbiological methods
• Growth media formulation and validation
• Method validation and regulatory compliance
• Product development lifecycle in regulated environments

Leadership and Business Competencies

• Portfolio prioritization and cross-functional program leadership
• Budget management and capital planning
• Talent development and performance management
• Strategic thinking aligned to commercial objectives
• Strong analytical and risk-based decision-making skills

Rapid Micro Biosystems is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package designed to attract, inspire and retain the best talent in our industry. In addition to base pay, our full-time regular employees are eligible for an attractive benefits package, cash incentive opportunities, and an equity grant.

The base annual salary hiring range for this position is $173,000 - 230,000

Starting salaries are determined based on skills, experience, budget and other job-related factors. More information about our total compensation package will be shared with candidates during the recruitment process.