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Environmental Microbiologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

VB Spine

Sr. Microbiologist

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Senior Microbiologist Location: Leesburg, VA or Allendale, NJ (10% Travel Required) Company: VB ... Oversee cleanroom environmental control (air, surface, particle viability) and facilities (e.g ...

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Environmental Microbiologist information

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How much do environmental microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental microbiologist in Washington is $80,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an environmental microbiologist do?

An Environmental Microbiologist studies microorganisms in natural and human-influenced environments, such as soil, water, and air. They examine how microbes interact with ecosystems, contribute to biodegradation, or affect public health. Their work is crucial for environmental conservation, pollution control, and developing sustainable technologies. They may work in research, government agencies, or industries like biotechnology and wastewater treatment.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, environmental science, and laboratory techniques, typically with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools such as PCR, spectrophotometry, and specialized software for data analysis is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate and adapt in diverse work settings. These competencies ensure accurate research, meaningful results, and successful project completion in various environmental contexts.

How much do environmental microbiologists make?

Environmental microbiologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced professionals and those working in specialized fields earning higher. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the specific industry or employer.

What careers are in environmental microbiology?

Environmental microbiologists work in fields such as water quality testing, soil analysis, pollution control, and environmental consulting. They often conduct research, monitor ecosystems, and use laboratory techniques and environmental sampling tools to assess microbial communities and environmental health.

What is an environmental microbiologist?

An environmental microbiologist studies microorganisms in natural environments such as soil, water, and air to understand their roles and impacts on ecosystems and human health. They often analyze samples using laboratory techniques and may work in field or lab settings, sometimes requiring specialized certifications or knowledge of microbiological tools.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Microbiologist jobs in Washington?

For Environmental Microbiologist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Microbiologist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Microbiologist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Environmental Microbiologist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Environmental Microbiologist job openings:

Environmental Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Microbiologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,014 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Senior Microbiologist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you marvel at the complexity of biology and seek to leverage microbiology in creative ways?
Do you want to explore the microbes that enable our daily lives and are pivotal to our National Security?
Do you love contributing your microbiology subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on application development for National Defense?
If you answered yes to these questions, we're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a highly motivated microbiologist to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways, biocorrosion, and biomaterials.
As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.
As a Senior Microbiologist you will...
  • Contribute to projects involving engineering of non-model microbes.
  • Work with a variety of non-model fungi and bacterial systems.
  • Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts in the research areas mentioned above.
  • Support new business development activities to expand program scope within the Research and Exploratory Development Department and other business areas across APL, including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
  • Provide leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
  • Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external sponsors
  • Assist and collaborate with scientists in support of laboratory-based experimentation.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Engineering, or a similar field.
  • Have 1+ year experience designing, running, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
  • Have wet lab experience culturing, assaying, and manipulating bacterial species.
  • Are proficient in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA manipulation and analysis, qPCR and plate-reader assay development, and microscopy techniques.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience working with non-model organisms like Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans.
  • Have expertise culturing and manipulating anaerobic microbes.
  • Have experience with assays characterizing microbial surface colonization and biofilm formation.
  • Have previous experience in genetic engineering techniques, metabolic engineering, or biomaterials.
  • Have experience with environmental microbiology, fungi, or microbiome systems.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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