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Food Microbiologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation. Skills and Competencies: * Adapts to changes in the work environment * Strong written and verbal communication

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Charlottesville, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Microbiology Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes clinical relevance and connects microbiology to infectious disease management, food safety, and biotechnology applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

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All JobsFood Microbiologist JobsFood Microbiologist Jobs in Virginia

Food Microbiologist information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$70K

$124.9K

How much do food microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for food microbiologist in Virginia is $70,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $82,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food microbiologist?

Food Microbiologists are scientists who study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and yeasts, that affect the safety, quality, and shelf life of food products. They work to detect and control foodborne pathogens, develop new preservation methods, and ensure that food processing standards are met to protect public health. Food Microbiologists often work in laboratories, the food industry, or regulatory agencies, conducting research, testing food samples, and developing policies to prevent foodborne illnesses.

What are some common challenges faced by food microbiologists in ensuring food safety?

Food microbiologists often face the challenge of detecting and controlling a wide variety of microbial contaminants in different food matrices, each with unique properties. Rapidly evolving pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and the need to comply with strict regulatory standards add complexity to their work. Additionally, they must coordinate closely with quality assurance teams, production staff, and regulatory agencies to implement effective testing and corrective actions, often under tight deadlines. Staying updated with the latest analytical technologies and emerging foodborne risks is also essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food microbiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, food science, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), aseptic techniques, and certifications such as HACCP or ISO 22000 are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and the effective identification and control of microbial hazards in food products.

What is the difference between Food Microbiologist vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood MicrobiologistFood Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field; certifications like ASM or CFSPBachelor's in Food Science, Public Health, or related; certifications like ServSafe or HACCP
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, food production plantsInspection sites, manufacturing facilities, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, research institutions, government agenciesFood companies, regulatory bodies, consulting firms

While both roles focus on food safety, a Food Microbiologist primarily conducts laboratory research and testing to identify microbial hazards, whereas a Food Safety Specialist oversees compliance and implements safety protocols in food production environments. Both careers are essential for ensuring food quality and safety but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

How long does it take to become a food microbiologist?

Becoming a food microbiologist typically requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science, or a related field, which takes about four years. Many positions also prefer or require a master's degree or additional certifications, which can add 1-2 years of study or training.

Is food microbiology a good career?

Food microbiologists analyze microorganisms in food production to ensure safety and quality, often working in laboratories or manufacturing facilities. The field offers stable employment with opportunities for specialization, and requires knowledge of microbiology, laboratory skills, and sometimes certifications. It is a growing area with demand in food safety regulation and quality assurance sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Food Microbiologist jobs in Virginia?

For Food Microbiologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Microbiologist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Microbiologist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Microbiologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Microbiologist job openings:

Food Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Microbiologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,041 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Food Safety Manager at Abbott Hurt, VA

Downtown Boulder Partnership

Hurt, VA • On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Food Safety Manager job at Abbott. Hurt, VA. This position works out of our Altavista, VA location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives. Altavista, Va., is one of Abbott’s largest nutrition manufacturing plants equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient production. Working here will make you feel like you’re part of a family that works together to make a difference and help nourish millions of families around the world.

Responsibilities
  • The Food Safety Manager will be responsible for establishing and maintaining best-in-class food safety culture and risk management through implementation and adherence of food safety plans and programs, quality system compliance, preventative controls of hazards, and investigation management.
  • Develop strong partnership with supply chain in conjunction with R&D and regulatory and other departments to provide guidance and assure implementation and adherence to programs.
  • Provide functional leadership of food safety, quality system compliance and investigation management for the site.
  • Manage programs and support effective and compliant implementation of changes within the site quality system.
  • Collaboratively support Directors, Quality Subsystem Owners, and other internal and/or external stakeholders with organizational, project/program management.
  • Direct responsibility for Food Quality and Food Safety Plans and risk management lifecycle process through the evaluation of site processes, assessing risk based on food safety and public health principles, prioritizing corrective actions, and verifying activities and validation testing.
  • Ensure all HACCPs are appropriate and records are complete and accurate.
  • Monitor CAPA Programs to ensure Root Cause analysis is performed and timely closure.
  • Assure that product food safety is monitored via appropriate metrics and effectiveness of actions through all phases of sanitation, pest control, microbiological and cleaning programs for the site.
  • Work with site departments to develop and implement programs to continuously improve food safety risk reduction, enhance cGMP best practices and requirements to achieve desired performance results.
  • Provide management and development of the quality personnel.
  • Support implementation of Divisional initiatives as identified by management and in support of Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and support a successful compliance strategy that supports Abbott’s growth objectives, including coordination and facilitation of external and non-site internal audits of the facility, provide inspection administration support during these inspections/audits/ and coordinate the development and implementation of applicable CAPA's.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, microbiology, chemistry or technical field.
  • 10 years Food manufacturing industry experience.
  • Minimum 5 years thorough knowledge of and experience in application of FDA/GMP regulations.
  • Understanding and application of microbiological principles with in-depth food borne pathogen knowledge.
  • In depth knowledge of HACCP, Sanitation principles and Food Safety Preventive Controls (FSPC).
  • 5 years supervisory experience.
  • Preferred: Master’s degree.
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