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Entry Level Microbiologist Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Microbiologist information

See Wisconsin salary details

$34.8K

$71.3K

$127.2K

How much do entry level microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level microbiologist in Wisconsin is $71,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $83,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Microbiologist, and why are they important?

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 are entry level microbiologists?

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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Wisconsin? For Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Entry Level Microbiologist jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Entry Level Microbiologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Microbiologist job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,307 per year, or $34.3 per hour.
Associate Scientist II - Quality Control, Microbiology

Associate Scientist II - Quality Control, Microbiology

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Madison, WI

$25.75 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Catalent rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Associate Scientist II - Quality Control, Microbiology

Position Summary:

  • Work Schedule: Sunday - Tuesday 6am-6pm

  • 100% on-site

Working for Catalent Biologics is an opportunity to join an entrepreneurial team. Catalent Biologics is making significant investments in people and capabilities. This is a unique opening to join a small, fast-growing business, backed by a global public company. People joining our team will have the opportunity for career development as our business continues to grow and expand. Catalent-Madison employees are helping to improve future patient outcomes by working on products that are designed to treat COVID-19, cancer, various autoimmune, fibrotic and blood disorders, HIV, diabetes, heart, and lung diseases as well as Alzheimer's.

Catalent Pharma Solutions in Madison, WI is hiring an Associate Scientist II - Quality Control, Microbiology. This position requires a variety of skills necessary for biotech company operations. The position is an entry level laboratory role with the expectation that the candidate is able to be trained on technical procedures and once trained, execute them consistently and reliably. Additionally, this position may support Preventative Maintenance and basic Laboratory maintenance activities while maintaining a GMP quality system.

The Role:

  • Executes and properly documents cGMP Quality Control testing with minimal supervision.

  • Independently operates basic cGMP Quality Control equipment and moderately complex cGMP Quality Control equipment with supervision.

  • Performs self-review of analytical data for accuracy and consistency with SOP.

  • Enters data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or laboratory reports.

  • Performs general lab housekeeping in adherence to 5S standards.

  • Initiates records in Trackwise.

  • Accurately completes routine and preventive maintenance on basic to moderately complex equipment.

  • Actively participates in team meetings and/or training sessions.

  • Other duties as assigned.

The Candidate:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related life sciences field with a minimum of 1 year of industry experience.

  • Associate Degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related life sciences field with a minimum of 4 years of industry experience.

  • High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 6 years of industry experience.

  • Preferred:
    o Basic understanding of analytical chemistry and simple lab equipment.
    o Familiarity with clean room procedure, aseptic technique, and general lab equipment experience.
    o cGMP, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) knowledge.
    o Experience following standard operating procedures (SOP).

  • General laboratory equipment experience, including micropipettes.

Why you should join Catalent:

  • Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process

  • Diverse, inclusive culture

  • Positive working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative

  • Potential for career growth on an expanding team within an organization dedicated to preserving and bettering lives

  • 152 hours of PTO + 8 paid holidays

  • Generous 401K match

  • Medical, dental and vision benefits effective day one of employment

  • Tuition Reimbursement- Let us help you finish your degree or start a new degree!

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.


What Catalent employees say

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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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