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Forensic Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician I - Microbiology

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

... forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an ... Microbiology - Mid shift - Mon - Fri (noon - 8:30pm) or Tue - Fri (noon - 8:30 pm) + Sat (9am - 5 ...

D. (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of various ...

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Forensic Microbiology information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic microbiology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic microbiology in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic microbiologists in their daily work?

Forensic microbiologists often encounter challenges such as handling degraded or limited biological samples, ensuring contamination control, and interpreting complex data under strict legal standards. You may also work under tight deadlines to produce timely reports for legal proceedings or collaborate closely with law enforcement, pathologists, and other forensic professionals. Staying updated with new microbial detection technologies and evolving regulations is essential. However, overcoming these challenges allows you to play a vital role in supporting criminal investigations and public health responses.

What is forensic microbiology?

A Forensic Microbiology job involves analyzing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses to assist in criminal investigations. Professionals in this field work in laboratories to identify pathogens, trace biological evidence, and determine causes of disease outbreaks or bioterrorism threats. They collaborate with law enforcement, public health agencies, and legal teams to provide expert testimony and scientific insights. This role requires knowledge of microbiology, forensic science, and molecular techniques.

What does a forensic microbiologist do?

A forensic microbiologist analyzes biological samples to identify microorganisms that can link suspects or victims to crime scenes. They use microbiological techniques, such as culturing and DNA analysis, often working in laboratories with strict safety protocols. Their work helps provide evidence in criminal investigations involving biological materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in forensic microbiology?

To thrive as a Forensic Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as PCR machines, DNA sequencers, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is often required, along with certifications like ASM Microbiology or specific forensic accreditation. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you analyze evidence and present findings accurately. These abilities are crucial for ensuring reliable scientific analysis and supporting legal investigations with credible, defensible results.

More about Forensic Microbiology jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Microbiology jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Microbiology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Microbiology jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Microbiology jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Microbiology jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Microbiology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Microbiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Laboratory Technician I - Microbiology

Eurofins Scientific

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Eurofins rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Company Description

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 55,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 50 countries. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician I receives sufficient authority from, and is accountable to the Laboratory Supervisor or appointed designate for the successful completion of assigned duties and responsibilities and has the authority to take action necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position and to identify the occurrence of departures from the quality system or from the procedures for performing tests and/or calibrations, so long as such action does not deviate from established company guidelines, is consistent with sound technical and business judgment, and follows the practices of the laboratory.

Microbiology - Mid shift - Mon - Fri (noon - 8:30pm) or Tue - Fri (noon - 8:30 pm) + Sat (9am - 5:30pm)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrates and promotes the company vision
  • Regular attendance and punctuality
  • Reads, understands and follows management system requirements as relevant to responsibilities, including but not limited to requirements found in the Quality Manual, SOPs, Local Work Instructions and Methods which in turn ensures compliance with ISO/IEC 17025/AOAC ALACC requirements and relevant government regulatory requirements
  • Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental regulations relative to assigned analytical work; maintain and assist others in maintaining a clean, safe work environment
  • Registration of incoming samples (as needed), maintaining a neat and accurate record system of work performed on a daily basis and as needed for quality control tests or regulatory purposes
  • Enter the sample data into Eurofins eLIMS system in a timely and accurate manner
  • Complete laboratory testing on all incoming samples in an accurate, efficient and timely manner; ensure sample turnaround time goals are met or exceeded
  • Verify results and submit results to the appropriate personnel for transmission, in a timely manner
  • Identify process difficulties and report these together with proposed solutions to supervisor
  • Maintain a perpetual state of readiness and willingness to respond to the queries and needs of clients, staff, and co-workers
  • Maintain cooperative working relationships with all company employees.  Communicate orally and in writing to co-workers.  This includes "intra" and "inter" departmental employees
  • Promote the company image through the exercising of sound and ethical business practices as related to the public and our customers
  • Continually strive to improve the quality of work we provide to our clients through existing and new technologies
  • Identify non-conformances and out-of-specifications
  • Conducts all activities in a safe and efficient manner
  • Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill or ability required

HS Diploma required

AS or BS Degree in Microbiology, Food Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or a related field. Experience in plating, plate reading, and sample preparation.

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.

  • Excellent communication skills. 
  • Responsive, independent problem solver and action oriented
  • Bachelor or Associate degree or with 1+ years experience
Additional Information

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Responsive problem solver and action oriented

Willing to work overtime, weekends and holidays

Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship

Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of Des Moines, IA are encouraged to apply.

What we offer:

  • Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
  • Life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.


What Eurofins employees say

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About Eurofins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Scientific research and development services, biotechnology research and development and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Leacock, PA, US