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Food Microbiology Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corbion

Scientist

Lenexa, KS · On-site

Collaborate with the global Food Microbiology teams and cross-functional partners, including R&D, Applications, Commercial, and Business Development teams, to support product development, customer ...

corbion

Scientist

Lenexa, KS · On-site

Collaborate with the global Food Microbiology teams and cross-functional partners, including R&D, Applications, Commercial, and Business Development teams, to support product development, customer ...

Corbion

Scientist

Lenexa, KS · On-site

Collaborate with the global Food Microbiology teams and cross-functional partners, including R&D, Applications, Commercial, and Business Development teams, to support product development, customer ...

Corbion

Scientist

Lenexa, KS

Collaborate with the global Food Microbiology teams and cross-functional partners, including R&D, Applications, Commercial, and Business Development teams, to support product development, customer ...

Solina

Corporate Microbiologist

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in food microbiology, strong communication skills, and ... R&D and Technical Services during formulation and scale-up to ensure food safety is built into all ...

Solina

Corporate Microbiologist

Bolingbrook, IL

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in food microbiology, strong communication skills, and ... Product Development Support o Partner with R&D and Technical Services during formulation and scale ...

Actalent

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Job Title: Research Associate The Research Associate conducts applied research in microbiology ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food ...

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Food Microbiology Research information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do food microbiology research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for food microbiology research 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 food microbiology research?

Food microbiology research involves studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds that affect the safety, quality, and shelf life of food products. Researchers in this field identify and characterize these microbes, investigate how they interact with different foods, and develop methods to prevent foodborne illnesses. They may also work on improving food preservation techniques and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This research is essential for protecting public health and enhancing food production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food microbiology research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Microbiology Research, you need a strong background in microbiology, food science, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with tools such as PCR, chromatography, and microbial culture systems, as well as knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help researchers design experiments, interpret data, and share findings effectively. These skills are critical for ensuring food safety, advancing scientific knowledge, and complying with regulatory standards in the food industry.

What are some common challenges faced in a food microbiology research role, and how can they be addressed?

In Food Microbiology Research, professionals frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining sample integrity, preventing cross-contamination, and keeping up with rapidly evolving testing methodologies. Addressing these requires strict adherence to laboratory protocols, continual training on new equipment and techniques, and rigorous documentation practices. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as food technologists and quality assurance specialists, is crucial to ensure research findings are effectively applied to improve food safety and quality.

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

AspectFood Microbiology ResearchFood Microbiologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, Food Science, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic institutionsFood production facilities, quality control labs, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, food companiesFood manufacturing, quality assurance, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentResearch roles, scientific studies, academic careersQuality control, food safety, regulatory compliance

Food Microbiology Research focuses on conducting scientific studies to understand microorganisms in food, often within labs or academic settings. In contrast, Food Microbiologists work in food production or quality assurance environments, applying microbiology principles to ensure food safety and compliance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

More about Food Microbiology Research jobs

What states have the most Food Microbiology Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Microbiology Research jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Food Microbiology Research jobs?

For Food Microbiology Research jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Food Microbiology Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Microbiology Research job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician

Wilberforce, OH • On-site

Central State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Central State Universityexternal

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
0801831
Classification Title
Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician
Working Title
Department
Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)
Department Contact Email
rkorir@centralstate.edu
Job Summary/Basic Function
Job Summary:
The Food microbiology Safety Laboratory Technician will be part of the Research Team in the ARDP, Food Safety Research Program, at Central State University and will report to the food safety research assistant Professor. They will be responsible for executing basic research laboratory experiments that are related to food microbiology safety and plant pathology, as directed by the supervisor. Responsibilities will also include collecting environmental samples in the agricultural fields and greenhouses.
The Technician will be a self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as a team environment, both in the laboratory, and in the field, as needed. The Laboratory Technician should be an individual of high integrity and character with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with the university research and extension teams. The Laboratory Technician will demonstrate the ability to develop and implement a written protocol, execute the protocol in either the laboratory or in the field trials, and effectively communicate in a written technical report the research results.
Responsibilities/Duties:
  • Perform routine food safety/microbiological testing following established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ability to culture and isolate microorganisms in a laboratory setting and effectively plate serial dilutions.
  • Ability to use molecular techniques to identify and isolate bacterial and fungal cultures.
  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures for laboratory equipment and methodologies.
  • Document results of testing following a technical report format.
  • Effectively communicate, per audience, the data, and results of microbiological lab research.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain microbiological testing equipment, to include supplies and microorganisms.
  • Maintain the lab in compliance with microbiological safety housekeeping standards.
  • Ability to set up, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
  • This job requires the ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting, moving, or carrying samples and lab equipment for up to 50 pounds.
  • Assist the supervisor in data entry/ management, scientific manuscript & literature reviews.
  • Assist in the field and Technical Services as needed to gain experience and knowledge in how to communicate the findings in a lab environment to what is applicable to the food safety industry.
  • Complete special projects assigned by the supervisor.
  • Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Required Abilities and Skills:
  • Excellent Communication Skills.
  • Ability to collect and manage scientific data, and write lab reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information.
  • Mathematical Skills. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
  • Critical Thinking Skills.
  • The ability to work in laboratory environments that contain biological safety hazards, at BSL-2.
  • Performing the experiments will require extensive standing, and extensive use of arms and hands.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and broad knowledge of such fields as Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Biology, or closely related fields. Equivalent to a four-year college degree, plus 5 years related laboratory experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • The ideal candidate will have experience with microbiological or molecular biology lab techniques including fungal and bacterial isolation and qRT-PCR and nucleic acid extraction.
  • A master's degree in a related field can be used to replace the work experience required.
  • Ability to set up, calibrate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment.
  • Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Must be authorized to work in the US.

Posting Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Minimum 40 hours/ week. Monday - Friday with the possibility of evenings and weekends as needed.
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.
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
Staff - Monthly (Exempt)
Budgeted Annual Salary
Commensurate with experience

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