Entry Level Microbiologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ENTRY-LEVEL OPPORTUNITY | $85,000–$90,000 BASE SALARY + PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES

No previous biotechnology or formal sales experience is required. At Sapho Bio, we are looking for an adaptable, motivated professional who is ready to learn, comfortable speaking with customers, and excited to build a career in biotechnology sales. If you have customer service, retail, hospitality, recruiting, campus leadership, internship, or other people-facing experience, we encourage you to apply. We will provide training on our services, customers, sales process, outreach tools, and the biotechnology industry.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SaphoBio is the developer of a rapid microbiology release platform for precision medicine. We are a
multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers committed to transforming the lot release process through
innovation, speed, and accuracy. We are a team built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, scaling rapidly following product validation and commercial traction. Our culture emphasizes agency, innovation, and continual learning.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an entry-level Sales Development Representative to help drive Sapho Bio’s growth by identifying prospective customers, conducting thoughtful outreach, and scheduling qualified meetings for our leadership team.

This opportunity is designed for someone early in their career who is adaptable, coachable, organized, and comfortable communicating with diverse people. Previous sales or biotechnology experience is not required. We are looking for someone with strong potential who can learn quickly, accept feedback, and grow with the company.

You will receive hands-on training in biotechnology, customer qualification, professional communication, prospecting, CRM systems, and consultative sales. As you develop, you will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility and build a career in sales, business development, or account management.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Prospect & Research: Build targeted lead lists; personalize outreach by role, industry, and pain points.
• Multi-Channel Outreach: Execute structured sequences across LinkedIn, email, and light dial blocks.
• Qualify Rigorously: Use clear ICP and BANT-style criteria (budget, authority, need, timeline) to advance or
  disqualify.
• Book Meetings: Secure calendar slots for demos and strategy calls; manage reminders to protect show rate.
• Run Early Discovery (as you ramp): Uncover goals, challenges, and success metrics; document cleanly.
• Pipeline Hygiene: Log activities, notes, and outcomes in the CRM with high accuracy.
• Tight Handoffs: Brief closers and Sales Engineers with crisp notes and context to ensure smooth transitions.
• Feedback Loops: Share market intel and objection themes to improve messaging and targeting.
  
• Any other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to identify and research prospective biotechnology and pharmaceutical customers.
• How to communicate professionally through email, phone, and LinkedIn.
• How to qualify customer needs and conduct early discovery conversations.
• How to use CRM, prospecting, and sales-engagement technology.
• How biotechnology companies evaluate laboratory and sterility-testing services.
• How to manage goals, measure performance, and build a professional sales pipeline.
• How to prepare for future opportunities in sales, account management, and business development.

Career Growth: This role is intended to provide a foundation for continued growth within Sapho Bio. Strong performers may have opportunities to advance into Senior SDR, Account Executive, Account Management, or Business Development responsibilities as the team expands.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Zero to two years of professional experience; customer service or another people-facing role is preferred.
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable speaking with new people by phone, email, and LinkedIn.
• Adaptable and able to learn new information, systems, and processes quickly.
• Coachable and receptive to feedback.
• Organized, dependable, and attentive to details.
• Able to remain positive and persistent when facing rejection.
• Interested in biotechnology, healthcare, business development, or professional sales.
• Experience with a CRM or sales tools is helpful but not required; training will be provided.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area and be able to work onsite in San Carlos.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Selling into regulated industries.
• Familiarity with life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, compounding pharmacy, or
  laboratory environments.
• Experience supporting quote preparation, proposal development, or sales operations activities.
• Familiarity with sales engagement platforms and prospecting tools.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Base Salary
$85,000 to $90,000 annually +
Performance Incentives:

• $175 for each qualified meeting that occurs.
• $350 for each meeting-generated opportunity that converts into a customer.
• On-Target Earnings (OTE): $117,600 to $125,600 annually. Earnings are uncapped.
• Incentive structure may evolve as the commercial organization scales.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus company-recognized holidays.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Equity: Eligible for stock option grant.
• DoorDash Credit: $25 credit for lunch and dinner while working in the office.
• 401(k) Plan (eligibility and participation subject to plan terms).

SCHEDULE, LOCATION & TRAVEL

• Standard hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Fully onsite in San Carlos.
• Limited travel may be required for conferences, industry events, customer visits, or team meetings.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

You are someone who:

• Takes full ownership of outcomes, not just tasks.
• Is highly proactive and doesn't wait to be told what to do next.
• Maintains optimism and persistence despite rejection.
• Finds motivation in achieving measurable goals.
• Is naturally organized and follows through consistently.
• Learns quickly and adapts easily to changing priorities.
• Communicates professionally and confidently with prospective clients.
• Enjoys building processes and improving the way work gets done.
  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

Your cover letter (one page) should include clear examples of:

• A time you demonstrated exceptional persistence to achieve a challenging goal.
• A time you identified and solved a problem independently.
• A time you exceeded a performance metric or quota.
• A time you received rejection repeatedly but continued to produce results.
  

LIFE AT SAPHOBIO

• High-Impact Work: Contribute to transforming pharmaceutical testing and patient safety.
• Competitive Compensation: Meaningful performance incentives tied directly to business impact.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Join a team that moves quickly and executes with purpose.
• World-Class Team: Work alongside experienced scientists and operators.
• Prime Location: Sunny, collaborative workspace in San Carlos.

SaphoBio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment is at-will, in accordance with California Law.