ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Applied Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Medical

Microbiologist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

... where Applied Medical operates. Qualifications: This position requires the following skills and attributes: * Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or a related field * Knowledge of ISO/IEC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsApplied Microbiology Jobs

Applied Microbiology information

See salary details

$13

$21

$33

How much do applied microbiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied microbiology in the United States is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is applied microbiology?

Applied microbiology is the branch of microbiology that focuses on using microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses—for practical purposes in industries like medicine, agriculture, food production, and environmental management. Professionals in this field study how microbes can be harnessed to produce antibiotics, ferment foods, clean up pollutants, and improve crop yields. Applied microbiologists often work in laboratories and collaborate with other scientists to develop new products and technologies that benefit society. This discipline bridges basic microbiological research and real-world applications to solve problems and create value.

Where can an applied microbiologist work?

Applied microbiologists can work in a variety of settings including healthcare laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, environmental agencies, and research institutions. They often utilize skills in microbiological techniques, laboratory analysis, and quality control to support product development, safety, and environmental monitoring.

What are some common challenges faced by applied microbiologists when working on industrial projects?

Applied microbiologists often encounter challenges such as optimizing microbial processes for large-scale production, ensuring contamination control, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams—such as engineers, quality assurance, and production staff—is essential to address issues like scale-up from lab to manufacturing and troubleshooting unexpected microbial behavior. Staying current with new technologies and adapting to rapidly changing industry needs can also be demanding, but these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and professional growth.

What is the difference between Applied Microbiology vs Microbiologist?

AspectApplied MicrobiologyMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology; advanced roles may require PhD
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, industrial settings, healthcare, food productionResearch labs, healthcare, academia, industry
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, food industry, biotech, environmental agenciesResearch institutions, hospitals, biotech companies

Applied Microbiology focuses on practical applications of microbiology in industries like healthcare, food, and environment. Microbiologists often conduct research, study microorganisms, and develop new products or solutions. While both roles require microbiology knowledge, Applied Microbiology emphasizes applying this knowledge in real-world settings, whereas Microbiologists may focus more on research and discovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied microbiologist?

To thrive as an Applied Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), molecular biology tools, and relevant certifications like biosafety training are valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate research, safe laboratory practices, and successful collaboration in developing solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

What careers can you get with applied microbiology?

Applied microbiology graduates can pursue careers as microbiologists, clinical laboratory scientists, food safety specialists, pharmaceutical researchers, environmental microbiologists, and quality control analysts. These roles often involve laboratory work, research, and data analysis, requiring knowledge of microbiological techniques and tools such as PCR and microscopy.
More about Applied Microbiology jobs
What states have the most Applied Microbiology jobs? States with the most job openings for Applied Microbiology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Applied Microbiology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Microbiology jobs are:
Applied Microbiology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Microbiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,914 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Scientist 1, Microbiology Development

Apidel Technologies

El Paso, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Technical Skills
Must Have
Applied Microbiology
Basic knowledge of standard laboratory practices
Nice To Have
Bioburden Testing
Sterility Testing
Job Description
1st shift (start between 7-8AM) Typical 8.5 hour work day w/mandatory 30 min lunch.
Possible OT depending on workloads
Interviews - video
Required work exp - 1-2 years of lab experience, preferred
Purpose of Position:
Perform a wide range of microbiological testing activities on pharmaceutical products, raw materials, and medical devices under the general direction of a lead scientist or manager.
Execute, as part of a team, both routine and non-routine microbiological assays in accordance with USP and ASTM methodologies to evaluate antimicrobial and disinfectant efficacy, including sterility testing, microbial limits testing, bioburden enumeration, and biological indicator evaluation.
General Functions, Specific Responsibilities, and Authority:
Perform routine laboratory maintenance duties, including propagation of bacterial cultures and preparation of microbiological media and reagents.
Support general laboratory operations by labeling plates and tubes, maintaining organized work areas, and ensuring adequate stocking of supplies.
Prepare and present experimental data at laboratory meetings, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with study objectives.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels of microbiological media and reagents to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Assist in the qualification, validation, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established procedures.
Maintain laboratory notebooks and ensure all documentation is completed in compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Perform additional duties as assigned by management to support laboratory and organizational objectives
Knowledge, Education, and Skills Required:
BS degree in Microbiology/Biological Sciences/Chemistry with related science experience
1-2 years of laboratory experience


Apidel Technologies logo

About Apidel Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We understand that attracting, qualifying, placing, and retaining the best candidates for our clients requires exceptional talent. That’s why our highly skilled and dedicated recruitment team works tirelessly to develop lifelong associations with all candidates and clients. We prioritize helping our employees achieve their career goals while providing effective staffing solutions to our clients and candidates. At Apidel, we believe in simple yet established core values that are ingrained within each member of our team. These values are time and again illustrated in our approach to employees, candidates, and clients. Our unwavering belief that our core values of integrity, client satisfaction, innovation, and intellect distinguish us from our competitors is what drives us forward. We remain focused on improving and sustaining a measurable client satisfaction program that has created an organizational culture where our associates provide world-class service every day.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Plainfield, IL, US

Year founded

2012

View All Apidel Technologies Jobs