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Graduate Microbiology information

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How much do graduate microbiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate microbiology in California is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate microbiologist?

Graduate Microbiologists are individuals who have recently earned a degree in microbiology or a related field and are starting their careers in research, healthcare, industry, or academia. They study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae, often working in laboratories to analyze samples, conduct experiments, and interpret data. These professionals play a vital role in areas like disease prevention, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and food safety. Graduate Microbiologists may assist senior scientists, prepare reports, and contribute to scientific publications as they gain experience and develop specialized skills.

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

To succeed as a Graduate Microbiologist, you need a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, laboratory safety, and data analysis, typically backed by a degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, microbial culture methods, and software like PCR data analysis tools is important, and additional certifications in laboratory safety can be beneficial. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for accurately conducting experiments and collaborating with peers. These competencies ensure reliable results, safe laboratory practices, and meaningful contributions to research and diagnostics.

What are common challenges faced by graduate microbiologists when transitioning from academia to an industry role?

Graduate microbiologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced work environments, learning to balance multiple projects with tight deadlines, and focusing on practical applications of scientific knowledge rather than pure research. In industry, teamwork and effective communication are essential, as projects typically require collaboration with cross-functional teams such as quality assurance, production, or regulatory affairs. Overcoming these challenges usually involves developing strong organizational skills, being open to feedback, and actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues.

What is the difference between Graduate Microbiology vs Microbiologist?

AspectGraduate MicrobiologyMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Microbiology or related fieldBachelor's or higher degree, often with certification or experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, educational settingsResearch labs, healthcare, pharmaceutical companies, food industry
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, entry-level research rolesResearch institutions, biotech firms, healthcare, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Graduate Microbiology typically refers to individuals with a bachelor's degree seeking entry-level roles or further specialization, while Microbiologists usually have more experience or advanced degrees, working in research or applied settings. Both roles share similar environments and industry usage, but Microbiologists often hold more responsibilities and credentials.

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

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

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

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

Graduate Microbiology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Microbiology job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,339 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA

$19.75 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership to grow and strengthen the department's research portfolio, including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial, and pathobiology research activity

  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand the department's research portfolio and enhance its national prominence

  • Promote excellence in education at every level, including medical student training, graduate programs, and oversight of teaching participation

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number FAC00271PO25 Advertised Title Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Campus Columbia College/Division School of Medicine Columbia Department SOMC Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology Advertised Salary Range Salary commensurate with education and experience Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Position Category Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis 12 months Work County Richland Tenure Information Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia (USC SOMC) invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology (PMI). This is a tenure-track leadership appointment in a basic science department, with responsibility for academic, research, educational, and translational missions.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to advance the department's mission in research, education, and service while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The Chair will be responsible for the continued growth of the department's research enterprise, including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial and pathobiology research activity, enhancement of educational programs, and expansion of translational research efforts that bridge discovery science with clinical applications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Leadership

  • Provide strategic vision and leadership to grow and strengthen the department's research portfolio including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial, and pathobiology research activity
  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand the department's research portfolio and enhance its national prominence
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across basic science, clinical departments, the NIH COBRE program, and associated centers to accelerate scientific discovery and clinical translation
  • Provide administrative oversight, including budgeting, strategic planning, program expansion, space allocation, and infrastructure development
  • Expand partnerships with state, national, and global research networks to expand funded training grants, interdisciplinary research teams, and programmatic growth
  • Promote translation of basic science insights into clinical impact, disease mechanism understanding, immunotherapy or host-pathogen interaction research, and population health benefit
  • Mentor and support faculty in securing extramural funding from NIH, NSF, and other federal and private sources
  • Maintain an active, externally-funded research program
  • Oversee core research facilities and infrastructure to support departmental research activities
  • Provide clinical administrative leadership where relevant, build a culture of shared governance, transparency, and research success

Educational Leadership
  • Promote excellence in education at every level:

Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) - leadership in curriculum delivery and content in pathology, microbiology, and immunology in medical student training
Graduate Programs (PhD and MS) - oversight and support for student research training, dissertation progression, funding competitiveness, faculty mentorship, and laboratory growth
Oversight of teaching participation and academic engagement in nurse anesthesia (CRNA), counselling and rehabilitation, genetic counseling and physician assistant (PA) graduate-level professional programs
This position will oversee the involvement of the PMI faculty in:
  • Teaching responsibilities in the undergraduate medical education (M1-M4 curriculum)
  • PhD program activities within the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program
  • Master's degree programs, including the Applied Biotechnology program
  • Excellence in teaching and mentorship across all educational levels
  • Innovative curricula that integrate basic science with clinical applications
  • Faculty development in teaching and educational scholarship

Administrative Leadership
  • Provide fiscal oversight and resource management for the department
  • Recruit, retain, and mentor outstanding faculty, staff, and trainees
  • Promote faculty advancement through tenure and promotion processes
  • Represent the department at the School, University, and national leadership forums while advocating for faculty, equity, inclusion, and trainee success
  • Build partnerships with clinical departments, industry, and community stakeholders
  • Oversee departmental operations, including space allocation and strategic planning
  • Provide administrative oversight, including budgeting, strategic planning, program expansion, space allocation, and infrastructure development
  • Lead departmental development initiatives, including philanthropy, donor engagement, and investment partnership opportunities to support growth in research, training, and innovation


ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology(PMI) is a vibrant basic science department at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia with a distinguished history of research excellence, innovative education, and collaborative scholarship. PMI website link

Research Excellence

The department maintains a robust research portfolio with sustained NIH funding and national recognition. Current research strengths include:
  • Cannabinoid research and inflammation: the department houses an NIH COBRE (Center of Biomedical Research Excellence) for Dietary Supplements and Inflammation
  • Host-microbiota interactions: Investigating the complex relationships between immune function, gut microbiome, and disease
  • Cancer immunology and cachexia: Translational studies examining immune mechanisms in cancer progression and treatment
  • Mast cell biology and allergic diseases: Novel therapeutic approaches for inflammation and allergy
  • Exosome therapeutics: Innovative delivery systems for cancer treatment
  • Exercise immunology and metabolic disease: Understanding immune-metabolic interactions in health and disease
The department has achieved significant milestones, including:
  • Annual NIH funding reaching as high as $9 million
  • Over $60 million in extramural funding attracted over the past two decades
  • Multiple R01 grants, center grants, and infrastructure awards

Educational Programs
PMI provides foundational education across multiple programs:
Undergraduate Medical Education: The department delivers comprehensive instruction in pathology, microbiology, and immunology to medical students (M1-M4), integrating basic science concepts with clinical applications.
Graduate Programs:

  • PhD training through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program
  • Master's programs in Biomedical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology
  • Several doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees have been mentored over the past two decades

Professional Programs: The department contributes to education in Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), Counseling and Rehabilitation, Genetic Counseling and Physician Assistant programs.
Medical Student Engagement: An active Medical Student Interest Group (MSIG) for Pathology promotes student involvement in research and career exploration, recently receiving the Margaret Grimes Medical Student Interest Group Grant.
Faculty and Collaborative Environment
The department comprises accomplished basic science and clinician-scientist faculty members with expertise spanning immunology, microbiology, pathology, cancer biology, neuroscience, and translational research. Faculty maintain collaborative relationships across multiple institutions including MUSC, Johns Hopkins, UC Irvine, and beyond.
A strong culture of mentorship and collaboration fosters success for faculty at all career stages, supported by:
  • Women in Science and Medicine (WiSaM) Committee promoting equity and inclusion
  • Regular networking and collaboration events
  • Active participation in university-wide research courses and facilities
  • Established partnerships with clinical departments for translational research

Recent Accomplishments

  • Faculty recognized with national awards including the Society of Toxicology Vos Career Award
  • Successful F31, F99/K00, and K99/R00 awards for trainees and early-career investigators
  • High student success rates in competitive national research symposia and conferences
  • Strong record of publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, mBio, Journal of Immunology, and Frontiers in Immunology

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE COLUMBIA

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia(SOMC) is the state's second oldest medical school and a leader in medical education, biomedical research, and community engagement. SOMC website link

Mission and Vision
The School of Medicine is committed to:
  • Educating physicians and other providers and biomedical scientists to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond
  • Advancing biomedical knowledge through innovative research
  • Providing excellent patient care through affiliated clinical partners
  • Addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes in underserved communities

Academic Programs

Medical Education: The MD program enrolls approximately 100 students per year and emphasizes early clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community engagement. The school is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) with the next accreditation limited survey scheduled for January 2027.
Graduate Education: Robust PhD and Master's programs in biomedical sciences attract talented students from across the nation and internationally.
Professional Programs: The school supports multiple health professions training programs including Nurse Anesthesia, Genetic Counseling, and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Research Environment

The School of Medicine maintains a strong research infrastructure with:
  • Multiple NIH-funded centers and training grants
  • Access to state-of-the-art core facilities including imaging, genomics, and flow cytometry
  • Strong institutional support for r...

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