Manufacturing and Supply
Where the
miracles of
science are made
a reality for patients
Sterility Assurance Specialist
At a glance
Our teams produce and deliver over 4 billion units of medicines and vaccines every year, ensuring every breakthrough gets to the people who need it most.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, AI-powered smart factories, and cutting-edge automation are redefining what’s possible: ensuring treatments reach patients faster, safer, and more sustainably than ever before. This is where your skills, ambition, and passion can shape the future of healthcare.
Sterility Assurance Specialist
- Location: Waterford, Ireland
- Job Type: One‑year fixed‑term contract (maternity cover)
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 days per week on-site, and 2 days home-office
About the job
As a Sterility Assurance Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining sterility assurance programs to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory requirements. You will function as the subject matter expert (SME) for aseptic processing, contamination control, and microbiological quality, supporting manufacturing operations, quality systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ready to get started?
Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers — seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale. In Manufacturing & Supply, you'll help reimagine how life-changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster. Our Waterford site is a key part of this network, and your work here will directly contribute to ensuring the safety and quality of the medicines and vaccines we deliver to patients around the world.
Main responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain site sterility assurance strategies, contamination control plans, and ensure compliance with EU GMP Annex 1, FDA, and ISO standards.
- Lead risk assessments for aseptic processes, cleanroom operations, and sterilisation activities; provide SME oversight during media fills and environmental monitoring.
- Support deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation for sterility-related issues, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions.
- Review and approve protocols, reports, and documentation for sterilisation validation, cleanroom qualification, disinfection studies, and aseptic manufacturing controls.
- Serve as point of contact for sterility assurance during internal/external audits and regulatory inspections, ensuring timely risk identification and communication.
- Establish and monitor KPIs for the sterility assurance program; drive improvements in aseptic practices, gowning, cleaning, and contamination control procedures.
- Deliver training to manufacturing, QC, and QA teams on sterility principles; monitor emerging regulatory changes and industry best practices to update site procedures.
About you
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Microbiology, Biology, Pharmacy, or a related scientific field.
- Extensive experience in sterility assurance, microbiology, or quality assurance within GMP‑regulated manufacturing.
- Strong aseptic expertise, including contamination control strategy, aseptic process validation, and knowledge of sterilisation methods (autoclave, VHP, gamma irradiation).
- Proven success in regulatory inspections and strong understanding of GMP quality and technical regulations.
- Ability to analyse complex microbiological data, including environmental monitoring trends.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and make decisions under pressure.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to perform effectively in high‑stakes operational environments.
Why choose us?
- Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
- Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career.
- Our Waterford site is easily accessible from the M9 and offers excellent facilities including a subsidized restaurant and newly refurbished gym.
PursueProgress. DiscoverExtraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what's never-been-done-before. You'll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people's lives? Let's Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
#LI-EUR
nullPursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
Find out more about this location
Why work with us
- We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.
- Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.
- Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.
- We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.
All-in on diversity
At Sanofi, diverse perspectives fuel the best solutions for patients. Hear from Monique Vessey, our Supply Chain Transformation Leader, on how her background shapes her approach to delivering life-changing medicines.
"Manufacturing and Supply is the bridge between the science that happens in research laboratories and the people and communities we serve."
Brendan O’Callaghan
Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply
Discover more
Manufacturing & Supply Careers
Explore how Sanofi is transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chains with cutting-edge technology, digital innovation, and sustainable practices. Discover career opportunities where you can help deliver life-changing medicines efficiently and responsibly.
Accelerating Biopharma Innovation with McLaren Racing
What do Formula 1 and biopharma have in common? Speed, precision, and a drive for excellence. Discover how Sanofi is partnering with McLaren Racing to transform drug development with cutting-edge performance science.
Join our
talent community
What could we achieve together? Every Sanofian works on projects that truly make a difference to people’s lives.
Sign up today and discover our latest opportunities as soon as they’re available.