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Quality Lab Associate Iii - Sterility Assurance

Baxter
Baxter
5+ years
USD $80,000 – $110,000 annually
North Carolina, United States
10 Feb. 13, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Quality Lab Associate III – Sterility Assurance

Job Category: Quality Assurance / Microbiology / Sterility Assurance / GMP Manufacturing
Reference ID: JR-195083
Location: Marion, North Carolina, United States
Company: Baxter International Inc.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Authorization: U.S. work authorization required (no visa sponsorship available)


About the Company

Baxter International Inc. is a global healthcare leader dedicated to improving patient outcomes through high-quality medical products and sterile manufacturing solutions. Operating in more than 100 countries, Baxter maintains rigorous sterility assurance and contamination control programs to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance across global markets.

The Quality organization plays a critical role in protecting patient safety, maintaining GMP compliance, and driving continuous improvement throughout manufacturing operations.


Position Overview

The Quality Lab Associate III – Sterility Assurance serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Contamination Control within controlled and classified cleanroom environments. This role is responsible for leading Environmental Monitoring Performance Qualifications (EMPQ), sterility assurance assessments, and microbiological risk evaluations to ensure compliance with cGMP and regulatory standards.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced microbiology or sterility assurance professionals seeking a senior-level laboratory and compliance role within a regulated medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.


Key Responsibilities

Environmental Monitoring & Cleanroom Qualification

  • Author, execute, and complete Environmental Monitoring Performance Qualifications (EMPQ) for classified manufacturing areas.

  • Conduct microbiological assessments to evaluate the impact of changes on cleanroom conditions.

  • Coordinate EM sampling activities with manufacturing and quality teams.

  • Establish response plans for environmental monitoring excursions and out-of-limit events.

Sterility Assurance & Contamination Control

  • Serve as SME for contamination control programs and EMPQ strategies.

  • Perform Sterility Assurance Assessments within the Change Control Management process.

  • Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) related to microbiological risk.

  • Ensure alignment with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and global regulatory expectations.

Regulatory & Audit Support

  • Support regulatory inspections and site audits.

  • Interface directly with regulatory authorities during inspections.

  • Review and approve EMPQ procedures, protocols, and reports.

  • Ensure documentation meets regulatory, internal, and quality system requirements.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

  • Prepare and present trend reports related to environmental monitoring and contamination control.

  • Lead quality and reliability improvement initiatives.

  • Identify and implement cost-effective quality enhancements.

  • Sustain a clean and safe work environment using 6S principles.

Documentation & Training

  • Author and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

  • Apply Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

  • Deliver classroom-based training for new and existing employees as required.

  • Utilize electronic Quality Management Systems such as TrackWise.


Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related life sciences discipline required.

Professional Experience

  • Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in Laboratory, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, or Sterility Assurance within a regulated industry.

  • Experience in medical device, pharmaceutical, or sterile manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

  • Demonstrated expertise in Environmental Monitoring programs and microbiological contamination control.

  • Experience supporting regulatory inspections and audits.

Technical Competencies

  • Strong knowledge of cGMP and regulatory standards.

  • Detailed understanding of cleanroom classification and monitoring strategies.

  • Familiarity with FMEA and risk-based quality methodologies.

  • Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including TrackWise preferred.

  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and investigations simultaneously.

Core Skills

  • Analytical problem-solving capability.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Leadership and influencing abilities.

  • Project management proficiency.

  • Ability to interpret technical procedures, specifications, and regulatory documentation.


Compensation & Benefits

  • Estimated Base Salary: USD $80,000 – $110,000 annually (based on experience, skills, and location)

  • Potential eligibility for discretionary performance bonuses

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

  • 160 hours of paid time off plus paid holidays

  • Paid parental leave

  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs

Compensation may vary depending on qualifications, market conditions, and experience level.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.