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Entry Level Microbiologist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Microbiologist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$37.5K

$76.8K

$136.9K

How much do entry level microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level microbiologist in Boston, MA is $76,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,900.00 and $90,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How to start a career in microbiology?

To start a career as an entry-level microbiologist, obtain a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or a related field. Gaining laboratory experience through internships or research projects and developing skills in aseptic techniques, microscopy, and data analysis are essential. Certification or training in laboratory safety and relevant tools can also improve job prospects.

Is there a demand for entry level microbiologists?

Entry level microbiologists are in steady demand across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and environmental sectors. Employers seek candidates with laboratory skills, knowledge of microbiological techniques, and relevant certifications, with job growth expected to continue as these industries expand.
More about Entry Level Microbiologist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs in Boston, MA are:

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For Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Microbiologist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Entry Level Microbiologist jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Entry Level Microbiologist job openings:

Entry Level Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Microbiologist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 49% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,751 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

West Roxbury, MA • On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
See more jobs at SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Medical Supply Technician position is in the Sterile Processing Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System located at the West Roxbury, MA location. This position is full time at 40 hours per week.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
  • Experience and/or Education:
    • Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR
    • Education: One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position. OR
    • Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
Grade Determinations:
GS-03 Experience or Education (Entry Level) None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-04 Experience or Education: (Developmental Level)
Experience: Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting.
OR;
Education: Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation.
NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
  • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
  • Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
GS-05 Experience or Education: (Developmental Level)
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 4); Duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts.
OR;
Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
  • Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  • Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
  • Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
GS-06 Experience: (Full Performance Level) One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 5). Duties may include, but are not limited to: Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other containments by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope reprocessor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
  • Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  • Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
  • Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
  • Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.
Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation.
On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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