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Entry Level Microbiologist Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Quality Tech II - Micro

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Summary Provides technical support at an entry level. Will evaluate material and product quality by performing various procedures in the microbiology laboratory. This individual performs analysis on ...

Quality Tech II - Micro

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Summary Provides technical support at an entry level. Will evaluate material and product quality by performing various procedures in the microbiology laboratory. This individual performs analysis on ...

... clinical microbiology. Today, worldwide more than 11000 employees are working on this permanent ... Bruker Spatial Biology is looking for an entry-level Bioinformatician to join our R&D department.

Entry Level Microbiologist information

See Missouri salary details

$32.4K

$66.3K

$118.2K

How much do entry level microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level microbiologist in Missouri is $66,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $77,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level microbiologist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Microbiologist, you need a solid background in biology or microbiology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and software for data recording or analysis such as LIMS is often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate scientific results, maintaining laboratory safety, and collaborating effectively within research or quality control teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level microbiologists during their first year on the job?

Entry level microbiologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict laboratory protocols, learning to use specialized equipment, and accurately documenting experimental results. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can also require some adjustment. However, with mentorship and a willingness to learn, most new microbiologists quickly grow comfortable with these expectations and develop strong foundational skills for future advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Microbiologist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level MicrobiologistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in microbiology or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, healthcare, pharmaceutical companiesClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech firms, hospitalsHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants

Entry Level Microbiologists and Laboratory Technicians often work in laboratory settings, but microbiologists typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on research and analysis, while technicians may have an associate's degree and assist with routine testing. Both roles are essential in healthcare and biotech industries, but microbiologists usually engage in more complex experiments and data interpretation.

What does an entry level microbiologist do?

As an entry-level microbiologist, your job is to work in a laboratory and use a variety of methods to test each microorganism, collect data, and use analysis procedures to explain the results. Microbiologists typically focus on science and research, but as an entry-level employee, your main job is to learn the various aspects of this job by participating in a variety of studies. Entry-level microbiologists often clean and sterilize equipment, manage lab inventory, document information, take notes, collect environmental samples, and complete other tasks as assigned. You may work unusual hours due to the extra time and attention required to get the job done. For example, you may be asked to work ten hours a day for four days each week.

What is an entry level microbiologist?

Entry level microbiologists are professionals who have recently completed their education, typically with a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field, and are beginning their careers in the study of microorganisms. They work under the supervision of more experienced scientists, assisting with experiments, collecting and analyzing samples, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Their roles often include preparing media, documenting results, and following safety protocols. Entry level microbiologists can work in various industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and environmental science.
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs in Missouri are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Entry Level Microbiologist jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Entry Level Microbiologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Microbiologist job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 52% Physical, and 48% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,267 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Microbiology Laboratory Technician

IDEXX Laboratories

Columbia, MO • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


IDEXX Laboratories rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

As an IDEXX Microbiology Laboratory Technician, you will be a key contributor at one of the largest veterinary diagnostic companies in the world. You will perform Microbiology laboratory testing that helps to serve professionals in the biomedical and life science fields across the United States. You will join a fast-paced work environment that encourages teamwork and quality, and offers opportunities for personal growth. This is a full-time role with competitive benefits.

Why this role matters:

IDEXX BioAnalytics, Inc., a division of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., is a leader in diagnostic testing for both the biomedical and life science markets. The laboratory is based in Columbia, Missouri, and employs approximately 70 people.

In this Role:
  • You will perform microbiology culture setup

  • You will interpret bacterial and fungal colony morphologies

  • You will identify bacteria and fungi using MALDI-TOF MS and/or biochemical testing

  • You will perform antibiotic sensitivity testing

  • You will make microbiology culture media

  • You will perform other duties as assigned

What do you need to succeed?
  • You possess a 4-year degree in a Science-related field; ideally, the degree will be in Microbiology or Biology with strong Micro coursework.

  • The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience performing microbiology set-up and interpretive testing

  • Candidates with a recent college degree in a field above, plus college coursework, will be considered for an entry-level role.

  • You are someone with excellent analytical thinking skills, utilized while operating laboratory instruments and during data interpretation.

  • You have excellent organizational skills with ability to multi-task.

  • Ability to pay close attention to detail in a fast-paced environment

  • This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals.

What You Can Expect From Us:
  • Hourly rates ranging from $21.00 - $25.00 / hour based on years of on-the-job experience

  • Opportunity for annualcashbonus and merit pay increase consideration

  • Health/Dental/VisionBenefitsDay-One

  • 5% matching 401(k)

  • On-the-job trainingand career advancement opportunities (experience NOT required)

  • Additional benefitsinclude, but are not limited to, financial support, pet insurance, mentalhealth resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donationmatching, and much more!

  • Opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world.

Schedule:
  • This is a full-time (40 hr/wk) day shift position with hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Why IDEXX?

We're proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.

We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce.Our culture is one that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you'll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you'll find it here.

Let's pursue what matters together.
IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.

As a Microbiology Laboratory Technician, you will work on site in our Columbia, MO lab.
Does this sound like the opportunity for you?Apply today!

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