Cannabis Microbiologist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise - So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.
Our Brands
Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories - Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat - A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group - A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit - Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary
The Lab Assistant within the Chem Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing media and reagents essential to analytical and testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role ensures the availability of accurate, sterile materials to support testing operations while maintaining laboratory safety and compliance standards.
Essential Responsibilities

1. Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
2. Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents, and supplies.
3. Label, handle, store, use, and dispose of media and solutions in accordance with safety guidelines.
4. Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media and supplies.
5. Collaborate with other departments to prepare required media in a timely manner.
6. Perform work in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner; maintain cleanliness and equipment within the department.
7. Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
8. Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
9. Share information in an open and timely manner to support team collaboration.
10. Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques.
• Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment preferred.
• Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures.
• One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred.
• Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks.
• Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively.
• Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion.
• Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with fractions and decimals.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and problem-solve within standardized situations.
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and handling of materials.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment and computers.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
• Varying noise levels and temperatures (hot to cold).
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management.
• Must wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

General Requirements

• Flexible schedule availability.
• Ability to perform opening and closing procedures in the media laboratory.
• Commitment to workplace safety for self and others.
• Willingness to work as part of a collaborative, team-driven environment.

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The compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role, based on the selected compensation structure and applicable guidelines. Actual pay within this range may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Additional components of total rewards-such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives-may also apply where applicable.
Salary Range for Pay Transparency
$20-$23 USD
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