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Graduate Microbiologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$135K/yr

A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university that included 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 ...

Kinetic Personnel Group

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Upstream, Formulation & Downstream Manufacturing Associate

Tustin, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Candidates with a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or another related ... This is an excellent opportunity for a Life Science graduate to build hands-on experience in ...

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Graduate Microbiologist information

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$34K

$69.7K

$124.3K

How much do graduate microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate microbiologist in California is $69,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate microbiologist?

A Graduate Microbiologist is an entry-level professional who studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They work in laboratories conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and assisting in research projects in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. Their responsibilities may include microbial testing, data analysis, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This role provides foundational experience for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, and related sciences.

What does a graduate microbiologist do?

As a Graduate Microbiologist, your workday often involves setting up and conducting experiments, preparing culture media, analyzing samples, and recording results under the supervision of more experienced scientists. You'll spend a significant portion of your time in the laboratory, ensuring that safety protocols are strictly followed and that all experiments are meticulously documented. Collaboration is common, as you'll frequently work alongside fellow microbiologists, laboratory technicians, and sometimes researchers from other disciplines. This hands-on experience helps you develop technical expertise and offers valuable insight into various research projects or quality control processes, laying a strong foundation for future career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate microbiologist?

A Graduate Microbiologist typically needs a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related life sciences field, along with a good understanding of laboratory practices and safety protocols. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as autoclaves, microscopes, and PCR machines, as well as the use of data analysis tools and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), is advantageous. Attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These combined abilities ensure accuracy in experimental work, smooth collaboration with research teams, and the ability to document and interpret scientific findings reliably.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Microbiologist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Graduate Microbiologist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Microbiologist jobs in California?

For Graduate Microbiologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Microbiologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Microbiologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Microbiologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Microbiologist job openings:

Graduate Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Microbiologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,722 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Research Lab Technician in Human Health and Microbiome

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The Ismagilov Lab at Caltech is hiring a full-time Research Lab Technician for a 2-year term position. Reporting to Professor Rustem Ismagilov, the successful candidate will contribute to the lab's ambitious projects and collaborations focused on human health. Examples include: discovering within human tissues the bacteria, fungi, and viruses (and corresponding genes and pathways) responsible for health and disease; developing novel diagnostic approaches; investigating the microbial origins of human diseases; developing tools that improve biological AI models by orders of magnitude; and developing closed-loop systems that combine robotics and AI for rapid autonomous experimentation. Additional details about the lab can be found at http://ismagilovlab.caltech.edu/. The selected candidate will receive mentorship and structured training in lab-specific protocols, electronic lab notebooks, biosafety, sample-tracking, qPCR/ddPCR, sequencing-library quality control, liquid-handler automation, and data analysis.
Essential Job Duties
  • Support graduate students, postdocs, and research staff in their projects. The Technician will be a valued member of project teams and, after training, will take ownership of specific workflows/processes.
  • Perform exceptionally high-quality experiments using established protocols; with training, contribute to experimental design and troubleshooting.
  • Perform automated DNA and RNA extractions from many different sample types, including clinical samples (e.g., saliva, swabs, urine, blood, biopsies).
  • Perform nucleic-acid amplification analyses using standard techniques such as qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, and RT-ddPCR.
  • Assist with Illumina and Nanopore sequencing library preparations for 16S rRNA gene, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and RNA sequencing.
  • Perform crucial sequencing-library quality-control steps.
  • Perform basic microbiology techniques such as bacterial culture, making media, and handling glycerol stocks with aseptic techniques.
  • Analyze raw data and generate figures.
  • Assist with scripting and validating protocols for automated liquid handlers.
  • Maintain the lab's excellent standards for biosafety and chemical safety.
  • Follow lab procedures for maintaining an accurate, complete, and detailed electronic lab notebook.
  • Maintain the organization of lab workspaces and maintain stocks of lab supplies.
  • A highly motivated and qualified candidate may additionally develop independent aspects of ongoing projects, while continuing to provide research support to the lab.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in science with an educational emphasis in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field by the start date.
  • Strong drive to learn and make a positive impact on the lab and the lab's mission.
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
  • Hands-on lab experience (beyond academic coursework) in microbiology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry, such as undergraduate research, internships, or equivalent experience.
  • Highly detail-oriented; must have prior experience performing complex experiments, using standard laboratory techniques, and generating rigorous, reproducible data that others can rely on.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn to perform highly technical workflows in a laboratory setting.
  • Must be able to use sound judgment to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously and to shift priorities, as well as effectively solve problems.
  • Must be able to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment in which multiple active projects are running in parallel.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and productively with faculty, staff, students, and collaborators.
  • Ambition to learn how to do research at an increasingly higher level, including how to design high-quality experiments, interpret results, and answer scientific questions.
  • Deep curiosity, reliability, and desire for mentorship/training.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ambition to undertake rigorous research training before entering medical or graduate school or a similar high-performance, high-impact environment in industry or academia.
  • Prior experience working at BSL-2.
  • Prior experience performing qPCR and nucleic-acid extractions.
  • Prior experience tracking and/or handling large numbers of samples in parallel.
  • Prior experience handling and processing 96-sample assays, such as 96-well PCR plates or 96-well screening assays.
  • Interest in liquid-handler automation of wet-lab workflows and closed-loop automation systems.
  • Co-authorship on a scientific publication or other substantial contribution to a research project.
  • Prior experience or undergraduate-level coursework with a basic programming language for data analysis (Python, MATLAB, R).
Required Documents
  • Resume (describe relevant experiences and accomplishments).
  • Cover letter with a) an explicit explanation of your alignment with the lab's mission; b) a concise example of how you have ensured accuracy, reproducibility, and careful documentation in your prior research; c) an explanation of the level of technical mastery of your top three experimental skills most relevant to this position.

Hiring Range
$19.00 - $25.75 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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