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Associate Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ecolab

Principal Microbiologist

Naperville, IL

$85K - $128K/yr

... of microbiology and microbial control as a Principal Microbiologist within the Water Anchor ... Provide consulting/mentoring on experimental design and work direction for junior associates.

Ecolab

Principal Microbiologist

Naperville, IL · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

... of microbiology and microbial control as a Principal Microbiologist within the Water Anchor ... Provide consulting/mentoring on experimental design and work direction for junior associates.

ARL

Microbiologist I

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

An associate degree in Microbiology or related science with 2+ years industrial experience * OR A bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related science with 0-2 years industrial experience. * Bachelor ...

ARL Bio Pharma

Microbiologist I

Oklahoma City, OK

$21 - $23/hr

An associate degree in Microbiology or related science with 2+ years industrial experience * OR A bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related science with 0-2 years industrial experience. * Bachelor ...

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How much do associate microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate microbiologist 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 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 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 is the highest paying job in microbiology?

The highest paying roles in microbiology often include microbiology directors, research scientists in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, and clinical laboratory managers, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing laboratory operations or conducting high-level research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Microbiologist, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Associate Microbiologist jobs? Cities with the most Associate Microbiologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs? The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Microbiologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Microbiologist jobs include:
Associate Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Microbiologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Temporary, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.
Principal Microbiologist

Principal Microbiologist

Ecolab

Naperville, IL

$85K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Ecolab rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 194 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 89 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company is seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist to join our innovation efforts in the areas of microbiology and microbial control as a Principal Microbiologist within the Water Anchor Research Development and Engineering group at our Naperville Technical Center in Illinois.This position will be responsible for conducting and leading research, development, and problem-solving projects to enable new product and platform technology development for applications in water treatment. This will also require working closely with other divisional RD&E teams to design and execute test work and communicate results. We are seeking candidates who have strong collaboration skills, are self-motivated, have good communication skills, are creative problem solvers, and possess strong observation and perception skills. This position represents a valuable and visible opportunity for a creative scientist to develop differentiated products and expand the current innovation portfolio in the field of water treatment and microbial control.What's in it For You:
  • The opportunity to take on some of the world's most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, abundant energy, and healthy environments
  • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
  • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best
  • A culture that values safety first, including training and personal protection.
What You Will Do:
  • As part of a diverse, global, multidisciplinary cross-functional team, a researcher in this position will collaborate directly with other scientists, research leaders, marketers, sales teams, and customers to develop, evaluate and deploy technical offerings.
  • Opportunity identification, ideation, initial feasibility analysis, process and product development, leading to commercial introduction of new programs and customer solutions.
  • Lead projects and program segments to meet technical and business objectives.
  • Develop new products, analytical tools, and systems integrating automation, equipment, and digital components to solve customer problems and deliver differentiated value in the area of microbial control for industrial water systems.
  • Provide advanced support for technologies within the existing product line and application area, following appropriate training
  • Plan and perform relevant experiments and interpret results to develop solutions to complex research problems.
  • Appropriately document and communicate all research and support activities using formal/informal reports and presentations.
  • Provide consulting/mentoring on experimental design and work direction for junior associates.
  • Provide technical support to assist the sales process. At times, this will require travel at a level up to 15%.
  • Ensure that all research activities are performed with safety as the top priority.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in Microbiology or related field and 0 or more years of R&D experience; a Master's Degree in Microbiology or related field and 1 or more years of R&D experience; a Bachelor's Degree Microbiology or related field and 2 or more years of R&D experience
  • Experience in technical leadership, communications, and management of complex research projects involving multi-functional teams.
  • Experience in the design and development of chemical technologies/formulations based on defined performance metrics.
  • Experience in microbiological laboratory techniques and design of experiment, analytical techniques, and chemical product characterization
  • Ability to travel up to 15%
  • Immigration Sponsorship not available for this role.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in microbial ecology, microbial physiology, water treatment and/or mitigation of microbiological growth and activity
  • Familiarity with industrial water system operations and technical challenges
  • Understanding of surface/interfacial chemistry and biochemistry
  • Understanding of fundamental physical/chemical/biological properties and structural activity relationships influencing microbiological activity and biofilm formation/disruption
  • A strong record of delivering innovative technologies
  • Familiarity with the use of chemical and biocidal products in industrial applications
  • Familiarity with the integration of equipment, automation, and digital technologies to industrial applications
  • Experience interacting directly with business leaders and customers to understand application needs and formulate technical specifications to aid in the design of product/platform solutions

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The pay range for this position is $85,900.00 - $128,900.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families.Click here to see our benefits.

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923

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