Microbiologist II

Empower Pharmacy is a visionary healthcare company dedicated to making quality, affordable medication accessible to millions of patients nationwide. As the most advanced 503A compounding pharmacy and FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility serving the functional medicine markets, we are proud to be recognized as one of Houston’s fastest-growing private companies and ranked #116 in Healthcare & Medical on the Inc. 5000 List for 2025.

Our strength lies in four core values—People, Quality, Service, and Innovation. Guided by these principles, we deliver a uniquely integrated approach to healthcare through vertical supply chain integration, advanced technology, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From manufacturing to distribution to quality control, our teams work collaboratively to push boundaries, improve patient outcomes, and redefine medication accessibility.

At Empower, joining our team means more than starting a new job, it means becoming part of a mission to transform healthcare. We empower our employees to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact every day. Here, your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions are celebrated.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, transformative environment where innovation meets purpose, Empower Pharmacy is the place for you. Let’s revolutionize healthcare together.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Microbiologist II plays a key role in advancing microbiological quality by performing complex testing, supporting method development and validation, and leading critical investigations to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. This position may also mentor junior team members, oversee aspects of environmental monitoring, and contribute to continuous improvement across laboratory operations. Through scientific excellence and operational leadership, the Microbiologist II directly supports Empower’s mission to expand access to affordable, innovative medications that are safe, effective, and life-enhancing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts microbiological sampling and testing of raw materials, finished products, and environmental monitoring samples using methods such as bioburden, sterility, endotoxin, and total organic carbon, while adhering to International Organization for Standardization cleanroom protocols involving gowning and routine sample handling. 
• Leads or actively contributes to laboratory investigations, including growth promotion, microbial enumeration, identification, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, root cause analysis, and impact assessments for Out of Specification or Out of Trend results, and proposes or implements effective corrective and preventive actions. 
• Supports or executes the development, validation, and transfer of microbiological test methods, including protocol drafting, execution, and data interpretation in collaboration with Quality Control and Research & Development teams.
• Accurately documents procedures, results, and observations in compliance with laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and regulatory standards, including current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), while supporting data trending, change control documentation, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Collaborates across functions and mentors junior staff as needed, communicating technical findings clearly and participating in research discussions, project meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.   

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Proficiency in microbiological testing techniques, method development and validation, and environmental monitoring, with working knowledge of compendial methods, bacterial endotoxin testing, sterility, microbial limit testing, and regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize evolving workloads, and communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 years of microbiology experience in a regulated laboratory setting is required; pharmaceutical, compounding, or aseptic experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field required; advanced coursework or relevant certifications preferred.
• Registered Microbiologist (RM) through the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists preferred; Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) through the American Society for Quality preferred; Other industry-recognized microbiology or quality certifications are considered a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Customer Focus: Builds trust through customer-centric solutions
• Strategic AI: Guides responsible AI adoption and adaptation
• Optimizes Work Processes: Drives efficiency with continuous improvement
• Collaborates: Partners effectively to achieve shared goals
• Resourcefulness: Secures and deploys resources efficiently
• Manages Complexity: Simplifies and solves complex challenges
• Ensures Accountability: Delivers on commitments with integrity
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach to shifting conditions
• Communicates Effectively: Tailors messages to diverse audiences

Values:

• People: Empowering people defines who we are
• Quality: Excellence in every product, every time
• Service: Serving others is our highest purpose
• Innovation: Advancing care through technology and discovery

Employee Benefits, Health and Wellness:

We offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, well-being, and future, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, 401(k) matching, wellness perks, IV therapy, and compounded medications. Learn more: https://careers.empowerpharmacy.com/benefits/

Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the workday and frequently use their hands and fingers to handle or feel in order to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. Employees are regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.