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Associate Director Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Associate Director of Microbiology will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership for microbiology activities supporting discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of ...

Prepare study protocols, summary reports, and other documentation as requested by the Microbiology Manager or Associate Director, Laboratories. * Promote continuous improvement within the ...

Prepare study protocols, summary reports, and other documentation as requested by the Microbiology Manager or Associate Director, Laboratories. * Promote continuous improvement within the ...

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Associate Director Microbiology information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do associate director microbiology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director microbiology in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate director of microbiology do?

An Associate Director of Microbiology oversees the operations and strategic direction of a microbiology department within an organization, such as a pharmaceutical, biotech, or research institution. Their responsibilities often include managing laboratory staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, developing and implementing scientific protocols, and collaborating with other departments to support product development or quality assurance. They also play a key role in advancing research initiatives, maintaining safety standards, and mentoring junior scientists. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in microbiology, and experience in regulatory environments.

How does an associate director of microbiology typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within a pharmaceutical organization?

As an Associate Director of Microbiology, you will regularly collaborate with teams such as Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and Research & Development. Your role involves providing scientific guidance on microbiological testing, interpreting regulatory requirements, and ensuring microbiological quality across products and processes. Effective communication and leadership are crucial, as you'll often lead meetings, review protocols, and troubleshoot issues alongside other department leads. This collaborative environment helps drive continuous improvement and ensures compliance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director of microbiology, and why are they important?

An Associate Director of Microbiology typically requires an advanced degree in microbiology or a related field, extensive laboratory experience, and a solid background in regulatory compliance and quality standards. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and relevant certifications such as ASCP or similar are highly valuable. Leadership, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are critical to ensure scientific rigor, regulatory adherence, and successful team management within complex laboratory environments.

What is the difference between Associate Director Microbiology vs Microbiology Manager?

AspectAssociate Director MicrobiologyMicrobiology Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, relevant certifications (e.g., ASCP)Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in labs, overseeing multiple projects, strategic planningSupervises daily lab operations, manages microbiology staff
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare companiesResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, healthcare institutions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding higher-level responsibilities and qualificationsFocus on daily management and operational tasks

The Associate Director Microbiology typically holds a higher strategic and leadership role, overseeing multiple projects and guiding microbiology teams, while the Microbiology Manager focuses on daily lab operations and staff supervision. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Director Microbiology jobs?

For Associate Director Microbiology jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Director Microbiology job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Associate Director, Microbiology

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

BioTalent is supporting a fast growing biotechnology company in the search for an Associate Director of Microbiology to build and lead a new microbiology function supporting the development of an innovative molecular detection platform.


This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced microbiology professional who can define strategy, build a team, and drive assay development, verification, validation, and commercialization activities in a fast-paced R&D environment.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead microbiology strategy across assay development, sample preparation, and V&V activities
  • Build and scale the microbiology team, processes, and laboratory infrastructure
  • Oversee microbial culturing, sample preparation, strain management, and genomic DNA workflows
  • Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Clinical teams
  • Support regulatory submissions, quality systems, and commercialization efforts
  • Develop SOPs, documentation, and microbiology best practices in a regulated environment


Requirements

  • MS or PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field
  • 10+ years of microbiology experience within biotech, molecular diagnostics, or clinical laboratory settings
  • Prior experience leading scientific teams and assay development programs
  • Strong knowledge of FDA-regulated environments, ISO 13485, and design controls
  • Hands-on expertise in microbial culturing, DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and related molecular techniques
  • Experience supporting regulated product development and commercialization activities preferred


If you're interested in learning more about this confidential opportunity, please get in touch.


greg.hammond@biotalent.com


#Microbiology #MolecularDiagnostics #Biotechnology #LifeSciencesJobs #ScientificLeadership #BiotechCareers