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Associate Microbiologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Associate, FDA Regulations - DC

Washington, DC · On-site

$365K/yr

Scientific background in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, or microbiology (strongly ... Associates are rewarded for performance and initiative-67% earned above the Cravath scale in 2024

Umd

Post Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Three Postdoctoral Associates positions are available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine ... The successful candidates will have a strong background in research in Immunology, Microbiology ...

Umd

Post Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Three Postdoctoral Associates positions are available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine ... The successful candidates will have a strong background in research in Immunology, Microbiology ...

Umd

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

D. degree in microbiology, animal science or poultry science. A strong background in technical skills in the following areas is required: handing BSL-2 pathogens, housing and raising animals ...

Microbac

Associate Scientist I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$20.19/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Associate Scientist I, working in an accredited commercial laboratory, is responsible for assisting with the conduct of microbiological assays and associated activities to determine ...

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Associate Microbiologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$35.9K

$73.5K

$131.1K

How much do associate microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate microbiologist in Reston, VA is $73,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $86,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate microbiologist do?

An Associate Microbiologist is a professional who assists in conducting laboratory tests and experiments to study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. They typically work under the supervision of senior microbiologists, helping with sample collection, preparation, analysis, and documentation of findings. Their work supports research, quality control, or product development in industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food production, and environmental science. Associate Microbiologists also ensure that laboratory equipment and processes comply with safety and regulatory standards.

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

To thrive as an Associate Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and often a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), aseptic technique, and equipment like autoclaves and spectrophotometers is typical, with certifications such as ASCP being advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong teamwork skills help individuals excel in this position. These competencies ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety protocols, and effective collaboration, all of which are critical to delivering reliable scientific results.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate microbiologist during laboratory testing and how can they be addressed?

Associate Microbiologists often encounter challenges such as contamination of samples, maintaining strict adherence to protocols, and managing multiple projects with tight deadlines. To address these, it's important to practice meticulous aseptic techniques, stay organized with clear documentation, and communicate effectively with team members. Regularly reviewing standard operating procedures and participating in team discussions can also help troubleshoot issues quickly and ensure accurate results.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Microbiologist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Microbiologist job openings:

Associate Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Microbiologist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,498 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Post-Doctoral Associate, JIFSAN/Microbiome Center

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP)

Riverdale Park, MD • On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Overview

The Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) at the University of Maryland (UMD), in collaboration with the UMD Center of Excellence in Microbiome Sciences, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in food safety microbiology and microbial genomics. The role is for a recent PhD graduate with expertise in both computational and experimental biology. The successful candidate will join interdisciplinary teams led by Professors Mihai Pop (Computer Science) and Jianghong Meng (Nutrition and Food Science). The research focuses on foodborne pathogens, microbial genomics, microbiome science, and AI‑driven data analysis for food safety applications. Professor Pop’s laboratory develops bioinformatics tools such as Bowtie, MetaCarvel, and metagenomeSeq, and current projects examine strain‑level variation and database accuracy in microbial communities. This position offers an opportunity to engage in cutting‑edge research, publish findings, and collaborate across multiple scientific disciplines.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct independent and collaborative research projects, designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments (45%).
  • Apply computational and experimental approaches to investigate foodborne pathogens and microbial genomics, utilizing AI and big data analysis tools (20%).
  • Develop and optimize scientific methodologies and analytical techniques relevant to research objectives (15%).
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across microbiology, bioinformatics, and food safety research areas (15%).
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at national and international scientific conferences (5%).
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field.
  • 1–3 years of experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, or AI applications in biological research.
  • 1–3 years of experimental laboratory experience in microbiology and/or molecular biology.
  • Strong interest and background in microbial genomics and food safety microbiology.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, think critically, and maintain strong organizational and scientific writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 1–3 years of experience working with microbial genome sequencing and comparative genomics.
  • Familiarity with machine learning or AI applications for biological data analysis.
  • Experience handling large‑scale biological datasets and high‑performance computing environments (1–3 years).
Physical Demands

Predominantly sedentary work. Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds and repetitive wrist, hand, or finger motions are required. Good visual acuity is needed for data analysis, reading, and computer use.

Licenses / Certifications

None required.

Application Materials

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, List of References (name, phone number, and email), Unofficial Transcript, Writing Sample, and Code Samples.

Salary

Regular Faculty: $65,000 – $75,000.

Benefits

Standard benefits for regular faculty are provided. For detailed information, refer to the university benefits overview.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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