Microbiologist (Project)

About the role

The position is a project position located in the Microbiology Unit (MBU) of the DATCP’s Bureau of Laboratory Services (BLS).

This position is responsible for the following:

• Support for projects as related to the FDA LFFM grant.
• Participation in the analyses of food samples for both pathogenic bacteria and indicator organisms by cultural, instrumental and molecular methods.
• Confirmation of bacterial isolates by cultural, biochemical and serological methods.
• The participation in the Unit’s Quality Assurance program and assisting and maintaining Quality Control (QC) records for the Unit.
• The participation in sample and data handling within the Unit.

Responsibilities

This position receives training from the Microbiology Unit Leader and works under the close supervision of the Microbiology Supervisor.

Requirements

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• Education and/or experience in microbiology or an equivalent combination of education and/or professional experience in a food testing or food safety laboratory.
• Experience working within a laboratory setting that utilizes a quality assurance system or ISO accreditation that isn’t ISO 17025.
• Experience performing microbiological testing for bacterial pathogens, including culture-based and/or molecular detection methods.

Qualifications

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have the following:

• Experience with quality systems and laboratory documentation practices within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

In addition, highly qualified candidates may have the following:

• Experience working with federal regulatory requirements and testing programs under the FDA, USDA, or EPA.

Benefits

This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan!

Pay

The classification of this position is Microbiologist, which is in schedule-range 15-04 with a starting pay of $26.00 up to $28.50 per hour based on qualifications.

Schedule

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.

Job Details

At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.

Conditions of Employment

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

How To Apply

To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the job posting page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. Review the applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on July 13, 2026.