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Food Microbiology Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scismic

Microbiology Manager

Springfield, MO · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field required. * Master's or PhD in Microbiology or related discipline preferred. Experience * Minimum of five (5) years in a ...

Scismic

Microbiology Manager

Springfield, MO · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field required. * Master's or PhD in Microbiology or related discipline preferred. Experience * Minimum of five (5) years in a ...

Scismic

Microbiology Manager

Springfield, MO · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field required. * Master's or PhD in Microbiology or related discipline preferred. Experience * Minimum of five (5) years in a ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Education * BS degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline. * Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred. Experience * With ...

ADM

Senior Microbiologist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144K/yr

EducationBS degree or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline.Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.ExperienceWith a BS, 10+ ...

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Food Microbiology Phd information

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$47K

$93.7K

$145K

How much do food microbiology phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for food microbiology phd in the United States is $93,656.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food microbiology PhD?

A Food Microbiology PhD is an advanced doctoral degree focused on the study of microorganisms that inhabit, create, or contaminate food. This program involves intensive research on topics such as food safety, fermentation, spoilage, and pathogen detection in food products. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, food industry laboratories, or government agencies, working to ensure food quality and safety. The degree typically requires several years of coursework, laboratory research, and the completion of a dissertation.

What are some typical career advancement paths for someone with a PhD in food microbiology?

With a PhD in Food Microbiology, professionals often begin their careers in research or quality assurance roles within academia, industry, or government agencies. Advancement opportunities include moving into leadership roles such as lab manager, principal investigator, or director of food safety. Many also transition to regulatory policy, consulting, or teaching at the university level. Career growth typically involves publishing research, leading projects, and contributing to innovations in food safety and quality.

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

To thrive as a Food Microbiology PhD, you need advanced knowledge of microbiology, food safety, and experimental design, typically backed by a doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field. Proficiency in laboratory techniques, statistical analysis software, and familiarity with regulatory standards like HACCP and ISO are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear scientific communication are critical soft skills for success. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring food safety, driving research innovation, and effectively conveying findings to both scientific and industry audiences.

What is the difference between Food Microbiology Phd vs Food Microbiologist?

AspectFood Microbiology PhdFood Microbiologist
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Phd) in Food Microbiology or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industry R&DFood production facilities, quality control labs, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, food companiesFood manufacturing, quality assurance, government agencies

The main difference between Food Microbiology Phd and Food Microbiologist lies in the level of education and focus. A Food Microbiology Phd is a highly specialized researcher or academic with advanced research skills, while a Food Microbiologist typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree and works in practical food safety and quality control roles. Both roles are essential in the food industry but serve different functions based on expertise and responsibilities.

Is food microbiology a good career?

Food microbiology is a valuable career for those interested in food safety, quality control, and research, often requiring a PhD or advanced degree. Professionals in this field analyze microorganisms in food products, develop safety protocols, and work in laboratories or regulatory agencies. The demand for expertise in food safety and microbiology continues to grow due to increasing food production and safety standards.
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Food Microbiology Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Microbiology Phd job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,656 per year, or $45 per hour.

Microbiology Manager

Springfield, MO • On-site

Scismic
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Scismicexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Scismic is supporting the growth of an exciting global company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We are looking for a Microbiology Manager in Springfield, MO USA. 

Position Summary

The Microbiology Manager leads the daily operations of the Microbiology Laboratory at the company's Springfield site, ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Laboratory Director, this role is responsible for supervising microbiology supervisors and operations leads, translating strategic objectives into actionable laboratory outcomes, and ensuring full compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, AOAC, FDA, USDA, SMEDP).

The Manager plays a critical role in driving performance, method integrity, and continuous improvement within a 365-day/year food testing laboratory, collaborating cross-functionally with Technical, Quality, Procurement, and Industrial Performance teams to support innovation and network initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
Leadership & People Development
  • Manage and mentor microbiology supervisors, leads, and analysts to achieve daily throughput, quality, and turnaround targets.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and engagement through effective coaching, training, and performance management.
  • Oversee workforce planning, including scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, and retention in collaboration with Human Resources.
  • Ensure consistent alignment with company policies, Code of Conduct, and equal employment standards.

Operational Excellence
  • Translate site and corporate strategic goals into departmental action plans with measurable KPIs.
  • Oversee daily sample flow, workload balancing, and resource allocation to maintain turnaround time and client commitments.
  • Develop and maintain systems ensuring methodologies are properly implemented and validated per client and regulatory requirements.
  • Support new method implementation, technology integration, and scope expansion in coordination with network technical teams.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration, and qualification of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance.
Quality, Compliance & Audit Readiness
  • Ensure all microbiological testing complies with internal SOPs and external standards (ISO 17025, AOAC, USDA, FDA, SMEDP).
  • Review, interpret, and approve analytical data; verify that results meet quality and accuracy standards prior to release.
  • Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation, ensuring root cause investigations and effective follow-up.
  • Serve as the primary contact for internal and external audits, demonstrating full readiness and documentation traceability.
  • Partner with Quality Assurance to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain robust documentation practices.
Communication & Collaboration
  • Partner closely with the Laboratory Director and network stakeholders to communicate departmental performance, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Collaborate with Technical, Quality, Procurement, and Industrial Performance teams on process optimization and cost-efficiency projects.
  • Provide technical support and consultative communication to internal and external clients regarding methods, data interpretation, and issue resolution.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Contribution
  • Leverage performance data and metrics (efficiency, quality, capacity, OTD) to identify trends and implement process improvements.
  • Support the deployment of network-wide operational excellence initiatives and digital tools (e.g., LIMS enhancements, dashboards).
  • Maintain current knowledge in food microbiology and laboratory technologies through continuing education and peer engagement.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field required.
  • Master's or PhD in Microbiology or related discipline preferred.
Experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years in a microbiology laboratory environment, with at least two (2) years in a leadership or management role.
  • Demonstrated expertise in food microbiology methods and quality systems (ISO, AOAC, BAM, USDA, FDA).
  • Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a high-volume, regulated testing environment.
  • Experience managing audits and implementing CAPA, method validations, and operational improvements.
  • Proficiency with LIMS and standard office software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office).
  • Familiarity with diagnostic and rapid detection platforms such as BAX, GeneUP, VIDAS, VITEK, IQ, and Invisible Sentinel.
  • Strong preference for experience in the food testing or food manufacturing industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Deep understanding of laboratory performance metrics and data-driven decision-making.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with attention to detail and urgency.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in balancing quality, cost, and efficiency.
  • Familiarity with business process improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma principles preferred.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-shift environment.
Physical and Travel Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in laboratory conditions with standard PPE.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods during lab operations.
  • Occasional travel up to 10-15% for meetings, audits, or training.
  • Ethical & Code of Conduct Responsibilities
  • The Microbiology Manager must operate at all times in compliance with Company Code of Conduct, promoting ethical behavior, client focus, and adherence to quality and safety standards.

$0 - $0 a year
Compensation Package Overview: 
Compensation Range: Salary is flexible and negotiable, depending on expertise and fit.
Potential bonus: Up to 10% based on performance.
Relocation Assistance Provided

Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
- Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

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