1

Bacteriophage Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The lab also explores bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infection, including rewiring of proteolytic systems and the deployment of innate immune strategies that enable survival ...

$97K - $134K/yr

Culture microorganisms, including bacteria and bacteriophage, for testing and isolating or sub-culture microorganisms for identification; Perform testing on devices under simulated use conditions;

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bacteriophage information

See salary details

$8

$26

$61

How much do bacteriophage jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for bacteriophage in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bacteriophage?

Bacteriophages, often simply called phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. They are among the most abundant biological entities on Earth and play a crucial role in regulating bacterial populations in various environments. Bacteriophages are used in scientific research, biotechnology, and even as potential alternatives to antibiotics in phage therapy for treating bacterial infections. Their unique ability to target specific bacteria makes them valuable tools in medicine and microbiology.

What does a bacteriophage researcher do?

A bacteriophage job typically involves research and applications related to bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. Professionals in this field, such as microbiologists or biotechnologists, study how bacteriophages can be used in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Their work may include isolating phages, studying their genetics, and developing phage-based therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in bacteriophage research?

To excel as a Bacteriophage Research Scientist, a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and laboratory research methods is essential, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Experience with techniques such as phage isolation, genetic sequencing, and bioinformatics tools, as well as familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is highly valuable. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication distinguish top performers in this role. Mastering these skills enables scientists to advance bacteriophage research, develop innovative therapies, and contribute to critical solutions in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

What are common challenges in bacteriophage therapy research?

Researchers working in bacteriophage therapy often encounter challenges such as isolating effective phages for specific bacterial infections and ensuring their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. The regulatory landscape for phage therapies is also evolving, which can complicate trial design and approval processes. Additionally, collaboration with microbiologists, clinicians, and regulatory experts is crucial, as phage therapy projects are typically multidisciplinary. Adapting to rapidly changing scientific findings and maintaining rigorous laboratory standards are essential aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Bacteriophage vs Microbiologist?

AspectBacteriophageMicrobiologist
Required credentialsLaboratory training, microbiology knowledgeDegree in microbiology or related field, certifications
Work environmentResearch labs, biotech companiesResearch labs, healthcare, academia
Industry usageBiotech, medicine, researchHealthcare, research, academia

While Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, microbiologists study microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Bacteriophages are specialized tools used within microbiology research, whereas microbiologists often work broadly with various microorganisms. Both roles require microbiology knowledge and laboratory skills, but microbiologists typically hold degrees and certifications in microbiology or related fields. Bacteriophage work is more focused on viral biology and applications like phage therapy, while microbiologists may work in diverse settings studying multiple microorganisms.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bacteriophage jobs?

The most popular types of Bacteriophage jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Bacteriophage jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Bacteriophage jobs are:

Infographic showing various Bacteriophage job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw, GA


Archer Daniels Midland
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Job description

Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GA
Job Purpose: 
The Research Scientist is responsible for advancing research in bacteriophage biology and sequencingbased characterization. The role includes designing and executing wetlab experiments, performing sequencing workflows (MinION and Illumina), assembling and annotating genomes, and generating highquality bioinformatic analyses that support R&D, Operations, and Quality. The Scientist ensures accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with safety and quality standards while preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts. The position collaborates with crossfunctional teams to translate scientific findings into practical applications and improvements.
Main Responsibilities:
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards, updating SOPs and laboratory protocols to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
  • Manage daily laboratory operations, including stock organization, receiving materials, inventory oversight, and safe disposal of biological and chemical waste in accordance with regulations.
  • Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving bacteriophage propagation, host range assays, lytic activity testing, and related microbiological methods.
  • Perform sequencing workflows, including sample preparation for MinION (Oxford Nanopore) sequencing and coordinating Illumina sequencing runs with external providers.
  • Assemble and annotate genomes, generating highquality viral and bacterial genomic data using validated bioinformatic tools and workflows.
  • Conduct bioinformatics analyses, including quality control, taxonomic and functional characterization, comparative genomics, and AMR/virulence profiling to support R&D, Operations, and Quality decisionmaking.
  • Develop, validate, and implement new wetlab and computational protocols to enhance laboratory capability and improve scientific output.
  • Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring accurate, precise, and reliable performance across microbiology and sequencing workflows.
  • Document all experimental procedures and results, preparing clear scientific reports, data summaries, manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Drive innovation and continuous improvement, proposing new methods, technologies, or analyses that strengthen research programs and product development.
  • Train and mentor interns and junior scientists, providing guidance in bacteriophage techniques, sequencing workflows, and bioinformatic analysis.
Skills & Abilities: 
  • Technical Proficiency: Handson expertise in bacteriophage methodologies and sequencing workflows (MinION & Illumina), including DNA extraction and library preparation.
  • Bioinformatics Competency: Strong skills in genome assembly, annotation, QC pipelines, and scripting in Python and/or R; proficiency with Linux/commandline tools.
  • Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex datasets, identify key biological insights, and communicate findings effectively.
  • Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy in experimental execution, data processing, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
  • Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills across both wetlab and computational workflows.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific documentation, reporting, and crossfunctional collaboration.
  • Innovation: Creative mindset with the ability to generate new approaches, methods, and improvements that advance scientific programs.
  • Mentorship: Ability to train and guide junior personnel in laboratory and analytical techniques.
  • Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to evolving technologies, shifting priorities, and new research needs in a dynamic environment.
  • Digital Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams) and scientific software tools.
Education & Experience: 
  • PhD required in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated handson experience with MinION (Oxford Nanopore) and Illumina sequencing workflows, including DNA extraction, library preparation, and run execution.
  • Proven expertise in genome assembly and annotation, including the use of bioinformatic tools and the development of Python/Rbased pipelines for sequence QC, comparative genomics, and functional characterization.
  • Prior laboratory experience in bacteriophage research, including propagation, host range assays, and related microbiological techniques is preferred.
  • Industry or applied research experience supporting R&D, Operations, or Quality functions is strongly preferred.
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:110735BR


What ADM employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom