Microbiologist

This Associate Microbiologist role focuses on routine microbiological analysis in a USP laboratory, primarily supporting dietary supplement testing.

About the role

You will perform pathogen testing, plating for yeast, mold, and total plate counts, and work with a variety of media and dilutions to generate accurate results. Over time, you may have the opportunity to cross-train in a probiotics laboratory, where you will work on high-count probiotic enumerations and advanced techniques such as flow cytometry. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys fast-paced, routine laboratory work, is highly detail-oriented, and is looking for clear advancement opportunities within a growing team.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological analyses in a USP laboratory setting, focusing on dietary supplement samples.
• Set up and inoculate samples that may contain proprietary blends, using appropriate media and dilution schemes to obtain accurate results.
• Conduct testing for microbial pathogens, including organisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, following established laboratory protocols.
• Carry out plating procedures for yeast, mold, and total plate counts, including lower dilution plating to ensure precise enumeration.
• Prepare and maintain microbiological media, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and quality for use in testing.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of all samples and results.
• Use a variety of plate methods, including spread plate and pour plate techniques, to perform quantitative microbiological analyses.
• Handle and operate different styles of pipettes and micropipettes, including multi-channel electronic pipettes, to perform accurate liquid handling.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all tests performed, including sample identification, methods used, and results obtained.
• Work within a fast-paced, production-like laboratory environment, meeting turnaround times and client-driven deadlines.
• Follow standard operating procedures, quality guidelines, and safety practices within a microbiology laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences discipline such as Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• 0–1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or food service position, or other routine/repetitive work environments such as warehouse, assembly, or basic laboratory work.
• Foundational knowledge of microbiology and biology, including an understanding of microbial growth, enumeration, and contamination control.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique to ensure reliable and contamination-free microbiological testing.
• Familiarity with PCR and ELISA testing techniques is considered an advantage.
• Exposure to media preparation and general microbiology laboratory workflows enhances suitability for the role.

Work Environment

This position is based in a dedicated microbiology laboratory that focuses on dietary microbiology and probiotics testing within a larger food and dietary supplement testing facility. The lab operates in a fast-paced, production-like environment where meeting client timeframes and turnaround goals is a central part of the work. Tasks can be repetitive depending on the group you support, and you will handle a high volume of samples and tests each day. The microbiology department is a relatively small team, working in a separate laboratory space from chemistry, which fosters close collaboration and clear communication. The facility is modern and housed in a newer building, offering an organized, professional setting for laboratory work.

Schedule

Wednesday–Saturday (4-10’s), 9:00 AM–7:30 PM.

Pay

$21.00–$21.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Location

This is a fully onsite, contract-to-hire position based in Madison, WI.