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Food Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manus Bio

Microbiologist

Augusta, GA · On-site

This hands-on role owns routine and investigative microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process streams, finished food ingredients, water and utilities, and the manufacturing environment.

Manus Bio

Microbiologist

Augusta, GA

This hands-on role owns routine and investigative microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process streams, finished food ingredients, water and utilities, and the manufacturing environment.

Manus

Microbiologist

Augusta, GA

This hands-on role owns routine and investigative microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process streams, finished food ingredients, water and utilities, and the manufacturing environment.

5th HQ

Microbiologist

Pembroke Pines, FL

$20/hr

Previous experience in a microbiology laboratory within the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or food industry * Strong understanding of GMP, FDA, and regulatory requirements * Ability to perform ...

Actalent

Microbiologist

Madison, WI

$21/hr

Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences discipline such as Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field. * 0-1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or food service ...

New

Actalent

Microbiologist

Madison, WI

$21/hr

Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences discipline such as Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field. * 0-1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or food service ...

New

Meijer, Inc.

Corporate Microbiologist

Tipp City, OH · On-site

Reporting to Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, this position provides scientific leadership in microbiology as relates to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This position ...

Actalent

Microbiologist

Madison, WI

$21/hr

Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences discipline such as Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field. * 0-1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or food service ...

New

Eurofins Scientific

Microbiologist

Rahway, NJ · On-site

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories ... Perform microbiology laboratory testing associated with EM samples, including bioburden, microbial ...

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Food Microbiologist information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

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How much do food microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for food microbiologist in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 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.

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 professionals typically need a degree in microbiology or a related field, along with knowledge of laboratory techniques and food safety standards.

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 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.

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.
More about Food Microbiologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Microbiologist jobs? Cities with the most Food Microbiologist job openings:
What states have the most Food Microbiologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Microbiologist jobs include:
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Food Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Microbiologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology

Central State University

Wilberforce, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
0801832
Classification Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology
Working Title
Department
Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)
Department Contact Email
rkorir@centralstate.edu
Job Summary/Basic Function
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in food microbiology safety to work on pathogen study projects focused on pre-and post-harvest fresh produce safety, especially those grown in aquaponics and hydroponic systems. The position involves agricultural, food science, and microbiological collaborative projects located at CSU campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. The main goal of our food safety studies is to improve food safety and reduce foodborne illness by examining the routes of contamination of fruits and vegetables with human pathogens. Under guidance from the CSU project directors, the participant will help in designing and conducting all aspects of the experiments from laboratory to growth chambers, greenhouse, aquaponics, and fields trials. The participant will learn methods to reduce bacterial pathogen loads contamination, integrated data collection and analysis, and novel methods to isolate and maintain microbial cells and nucleic acids. This is an integrated produce safety research project, and the participant will have opportunities to learn and participate in our food safety extensions programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Participates in and coordinates: microbiological research and field research project design.
• Leads experiment execution, sampling, data analysis, reporting, and publication preparation.
• Help design and implement research protocols and coordinate research studies focusing on human pathogenic bacteria, microbiome, biofilms, and fungi in aquaponics and hydroponic systems.
• Assist as needed to analyze water samples for microbiological quality from the CSU extension stakeholder's farmers and industries in states of Ohio.
• Carry out Bio-informatics analysis.
• Evaluation of microbiological quality of the fresh produce in local agricultural and food production systems.
• Perform food microbiology research reviews.
• Supervise research assistant students in the laboratory.
• Contribute to development and improvement of the CSU food safety sanitation and good agricultural practices training program
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Cooperate with the lab technicians to oversee media preparation, culture management, bio-assay studies in growth chambers and greenhouse studies maintenance, experiment media and reagent quality control analysis.
• Perform microbiological and molecular analysis using culturing, DNA & RNA extractions, PCR, and qPCR techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and report research data for presentations in farmers' seminars and research conferences, and for manuscript preparation.
• Ability to adapt and apply academic/practical knowledge to conduct microbiological research on foods and food systems including water quality analysis required.
• Strong background in food microbiology experience particularly working with human pathogenic bacteria, working with technologies such as bioinformatics, SAS; R-studio; experience designing and leading research experiments, supervising undergraduate student research assistants, and analyzing data and manuscript preparation desired.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D., in Microbiology, Food Safety, or Food Science & Technology or equivalent education experience in a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Posting Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
The applicant must have a valid driver's license. Also, the individual must be authorized to work in the US.
This is a full-time position funded by annual allocation by National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Evans Allen Program with matching contributions from the State of Ohio.
The appointment will initially be for two years but may be renewed upon recommendation of CSU project directors and is contingent on the performance and availability of funds.
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.
Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.
Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Position Category
Budgeted Annual Salary
Commensurate with experience

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