URGENTLY HIRING: Microbiologist I

About the role

This role focuses on performing microbiological testing and supporting laboratory operations in a regulated GMP environment, with an emphasis on food or pharmaceutical microbiology. The microbiologist conducts routine and specialized analyses, maintains laboratory readiness for audits, supports process validation activities, and ensures accurate documentation of all work. This position offers the opportunity to grow within a larger organization while working in a close-knit, collaborative laboratory team.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing including aerobic plate counts and most probable number (MPN) analyses.
• Isolate and identify bacterial cultures using appropriate microbiological techniques.
• Conduct ELISA and PCR testing in accordance with established protocols.
• Prepare microbiological media and ensure proper labeling, storage, and handling.
• Apply good aseptic technique consistently to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Carry out routine laboratory functions such as accurate data entry and validation of test results.
• Maintain bacterial control cultures and ensure they are properly documented and stored.
• Perform instrument calibration, routine maintenance, and minor repairs to ensure equipment operates correctly.
• Maintain the laboratory and laboratory notebooks in an audit-ready state at all times, following cGMP and documentation standards.
• Manage laboratory inventory, maintain 5S organization, and perform regular cleaning to support a safe and efficient work area.
• Support process validation and protocol execution, including process equipment inspections and sample collection.
• Conduct allergen testing as part of process validation and product quality assessments.
• Collaborate with chemists, microbiology technicians, and supervisors to support overall laboratory and quality objectives.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks, ensuring timely completion and high-quality results.
• Communicate findings, issues, and progress clearly and professionally in both written and verbal form.
• Work overtime as needed to support laboratory operations and production schedules.

Essential Skills

• Strong microbiological skills including aerobic plate counts, most probable number analysis, and isolation and identification of bacterial cultures.
• Hands-on experience with ELISA and PCR techniques.
• Proficiency in media preparation and use of good aseptic technique.
• Experience or familiarity with routine laboratory functions such as data entry, data validation, and maintaining control cultures.
• Ability to perform instrument calibration, basic maintenance, and minor repairs.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain laboratory notebooks and records in an audit-ready state in compliance with cGMP.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of working in a GMP or cGMP environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a high-functioning team.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience working in an FDA-regulated GMP environment in either a food or pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory setting preferred but not required.
• Basic familiarity with chemistry and food science testing is beneficial.
• Experience working with raw materials testing in a laboratory environment is an advantage.
• Comfort working in a documentation-driven environment with strong emphasis on compliance and audit readiness.
• Ability to adapt to a rotating shift schedule and maintain productivity and accuracy during night shifts.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a larger organization while contributing to a smaller, collaborative site.
• Strong sense of ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks and overall quality outcomes.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment that operates under FDA-regulated GMP and cGMP standards, with a focus on microbiology, food science, and chemistry testing. The role is primarily on the night shift, working from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on a 2-2-3 rotating schedule. There is one opening for this shift. New hires receive initial training on the first shift (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) for a few weeks before transitioning to the rotating night schedule. The laboratory team includes microbiology technicians and chemists, creating a collaborative environment with a small-company feel supported by the resources of a larger organization. The work involves routine use of laboratory instrumentation, microbiological media, and testing platforms such as ELISA and PCR, as well as adherence to structured documentation and audit-readiness practices. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, 5S principles, and consistent compliance with GMP standards.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $22.00 per hour. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 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)