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Food Safety Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ChemStation

Food Safety Specialist

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Preferred: · College Graduates encouraged to apply who have a background in Food Science/MicroBiology/Chemistry · Understanding of Food Safety/Microbiology Our Comprehensive Package of Benefits ...

New

Humetis Group

Quality & Food Safety

Albany, GA · On-site

Support microbiological verification, environmental monitoring, mycotoxin testing, allergen management, and other food safety programs. * Conduct root cause analysis for food safety incidents and ...

Bunge Iberica SA

Senior Microbiologist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

... ensure food safety and microbiology alignment at our production and co-manufacturing facilities across Bunge by providing technical expertise for microbiological analyses and specifications ...

Bunge Iberica SA

Senior Microbiologist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

... ensure food safety and microbiology alignment at our production and co-manufacturing facilities across Bunge by providing technical expertise for microbiological analyses and specifications ...

The Pictsweet Company

Director, Food Safety

Bells, TN · On-site

We are currently seeking a Director for our Food Safety Department, reporting to the VP of ... Third Party GFSI audit, Sanitation, Microbiology, Pest Control, Allergen Management, HACCP, GMP ...

The Pictsweet Company

Director, Food Safety

Bells, TN · On-site

We are currently seeking a Director for our Food Safety Department, reporting to the VP of ... Third Party GFSI audit, Sanitation, Microbiology, Pest Control, Allergen Management, HACCP, GMP ...

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Food Safety Microbiology information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do food safety microbiology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety microbiology 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 safety microbiology?

Food safety microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and parasites, that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses. Professionals in this field work to identify, control, and prevent the growth of harmful microbes throughout the food production process. They play a critical role in ensuring that food products are safe for consumption by conducting laboratory testing, monitoring sanitation practices, and staying up-to-date with food safety regulations. Their work helps protect public health and supports compliance with industry standards.

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

To excel in Food Safety Microbiology, you need a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, food science, and regulatory standards, typically backed by a degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, pathogen detection methodologies, and certifications such as HACCP or SQF is common in this role. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for analyzing data and conveying findings. These competencies are vital to accurately identify hazards, ensure food safety, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food safety microbiology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food safety microbiology often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with evolving pathogens, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards, and effectively communicating scientific findings to non-technical stakeholders. To address these, it is important to engage in continuous education, participate in industry workshops, and maintain clear documentation of procedures and results. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and production, also helps promote a culture of food safety and ensures timely implementation of corrective actions.

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

AspectFood Safety MicrobiologyFood Microbiologist
CertificationsOften requires microbiology and food safety certificationsSimilar certifications, including microbiology and food safety
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, quality assuranceLaboratories, research settings, food manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFocuses on preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring safety standardsBroader role including product development, research, and quality control

Food Safety Microbiology primarily concentrates on identifying and controlling microorganisms to prevent foodborne illnesses, ensuring food safety compliance. In contrast, Food Microbiologists may engage in research, product development, and broader microbiological studies within the food industry. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in their core focus and responsibilities.

Is food safety microbiology a good career?

Food safety microbiology is a valuable career that involves analyzing and controlling microbial contamination in food products to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. It often requires laboratory skills, knowledge of microbiology, and certifications such as HACCP or ISO standards. The field offers job stability and opportunities for advancement in food production, quality assurance, and regulatory agencies.

What does a food safety microbiology do?

A food safety microbiologist studies microorganisms that can contaminate food products to ensure safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. They perform laboratory testing, analyze microbial data, and develop safety protocols, often using tools like PCR and culture methods, and may require certifications such as HACCP or ASM membership.
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Food Safety Microbiology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Microbiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, 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.

Regulatory Food Safety Microbiology SME

Guidehouse

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$65K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description

Job Family:
Scientist
Travel Required:
Up to 10%
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
Our federal client is responsible for protecting public health through the scientific evaluation and regulatory oversight of dietary supplements. Guidehouse is seeking experienced Microbiology Subject Matter Experts to conduct safety evaluations of dietary ingredients and dietary supplement products, perform risk assessments, evaluate scientific evidence, and prepare technically defensible reports supporting FDA regulatory review activities.
What You Will Do:
  • Conduct microbiological safety assessments and risk characterization of dietary ingredients and dietary supplement products.
  • Review and evaluate New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) submissions.
  • Evaluate microbiological characterization and testing data.
  • Review scientific literature, perform evidence assessments and ingredient prioritization reviews.
  • Support microbiological safety assessments and exposure evaluations.
  • Assess bacterial, yeast, mold, and microbial contamination data.
  • Compile annotated bibliographies and literature summaries; Prepare scientific memoranda, reports, and regulatory review documentation.
  • Participate in NDIN review activities involving microbial ingredients.
  • Utilize FDA databases, scientific literature repositories, and toxicological assessment tools.
  • Present scientific findings and recommendations to reviewers and technical specialists.
  • Complete all required corporate, client, safety, security, and laboratory training requirements.

What You Will Need:
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related scientific disciplines.
  • Minimum ZERO-TWO (0-2) years of prior relevant experience
  • Experience with microbiological testing and characterization methodologies.
  • Experience evaluating scientific literature and data quality.
  • Experience supporting microbiological risk assessments.
  • Knowledge of microbial identification techniques.
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently assess complex scientific data and prepare technical reports.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their public trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Experience supporting FDA, USDA, CDC, public health, food safety, or other regulatory laboratory programs.
  • Dietary supplement or food safety regulatory review (I.e. NDIN) experience.
  • Experience with genomic sequencing methods.
  • Experience evaluating antimicrobial resistance, spore-forming organisms and/or microbial toxins.
  • Experience preparing regulatory science memoranda, regulatory science reports and policy-supporting analyses.

The annual salary range for this position is $65,000.00-$108,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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