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Associate Microbiology Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Associate Microbiology information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$14

$21

$33

How much do associate microbiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate microbiology in Rochester, MN is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I do with a degree in associate microbiology?

An associate degree in microbiology prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as microbiology technician, laboratory assistant, or quality control analyst. These positions often involve working in laboratories, conducting tests, and supporting research or manufacturing processes, sometimes requiring knowledge of lab equipment and safety protocols.

What can I do with an associate microbiology degree?

An associate microbiology degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as microbiology technician, laboratory assistant, or quality control analyst. These positions often involve working in laboratories, conducting tests, and using scientific tools, with some roles requiring certification or on-the-job training.

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 data analysis, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and software for data management or statistical analysis is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting scientific research or quality assurance processes.

What are some common challenges faced by associate microbiologists in a laboratory setting?

Associate Microbiologists often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic techniques to prevent sample contamination, managing multiple tests with tight deadlines, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards like GMP or GLP. Balancing routine testing with troubleshooting unexpected results requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Additionally, effective communication with team members and other departments is crucial for resolving issues quickly and ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

What does an associate microbiologist do?

An Associate Microbiologist assists in conducting laboratory experiments and tests to study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Their responsibilities typically include preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, recording and analyzing data, and maintaining sterile work environments. They may also help with quality control, documentation, and reporting findings to senior scientists or supervisors. Associate Microbiologists often work in pharmaceutical, food, environmental, or clinical laboratories. This entry-level role is crucial for supporting research, product development, and ensuring safety and compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiology jobs in Rochester, MN?

The most popular types of Microbiology jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Associate Microbiology jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Associate Microbiology job openings:

Microbiology Technician

Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc

Rochester, MN โ€ข On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Microbiology Lab Technician is responsible for conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of pharmaceutical products, cosmetic products, and ingredients according to the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and standard operating procedures. This position will provide support to the Quality Control Laboratory (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), Research and Development (R&D), and Production (manufacturing and packaging) departments; all working as part of a team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Perform bio-burden testing on, but not limited to:
    • Purified Water
    • Ingredient
    • Finished Product
    • Environmental Samples
  • Assist in validation activities.
  • Assist with monitoring of the purified water system.
  • Documents work in a clear and organized manner.
    • Accountable for the accuracy and validity of testing results.
    • Reports results.
  • Maintain a clean and organized laboratory workstation.
  • Monitor laboratory and immediately corrects housekeeping deficiencies.
  • Maintain all media, lab equipment, and supplies required for routine lab operations.
  • Follows safety rules and regulations.
    • Must be able to handle chemicals and microorganisms safely.

COMPETENCIES

  • Be self-motivated with ability to work independently with a strong sense of good judgement.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work with multiple departments.
  • Exposure to cGMP is preferred.
  • High degree of accuracy.
  • Good working computer skills; knowledge of Excel and Word.
  • Good working pipetting skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • This position requires no supervisory responsibility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The primary workstation is located in the Microbiology Laboratory or on occasion the production floor. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.

  • While performing this job, it is necessary for the employee to have good manual dexterity and hand and eye coordination.
  • This job requires that an employee must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, bend over, reach arm’s length, kneel, crouch at various times, and lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Must also have the ability to clearly see and focus on objects and color at close and far distances with good depth perception.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

USUAL WORKING HOURS

  • Monday-Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Capability to work limited extended hours if necessary, occasional Saturdays included.

TRAVEL

  • No travel required for this position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, or closely related field.
  • Associate’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related field with 2 years of laboratory experience
  • 4 years previous laboratory experience preferred

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Mathematical skills- Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Language skills- Must have the ability to read and speak English fluently, interpret documents such as directions, instructions, safety rules, and procedure manuals in the English language. Must be able to record written information accurately.
  • Reasoning ability- Must have the ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • This position is eligible for all full-time benefits including:
    • Health Insurance greatly subsidized by the company
    • Dental, Life, Paid Leave and Disability Insurance at no cost to employees
    • HSA, HRA, and Day Care Assistance Plans
    • 401(k) Retirement Plans with Profit-Sharing
    • Bonus opportunities
    • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • The starting wage for this position is $25.00 per hour

EEO STATEMENT

PSI does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship at this time.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm