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Gram Staining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Competencies in basic microbiology techniques should include pipetting, performing serial dilutions, Gram staining, visual organism identification, spread/pour plating, reading plates. * Basic ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Competencies in basic microbiology techniques should include pipetting, performing serial dilutions, Gram staining, visual organism identification, spread/pour plating, reading plates. * Basic ...

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How much do gram staining jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for gram staining in the United States is $31.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Gram Staining position, and why are they important?

To excel in Gram Staining, a laboratory professional should have a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, aseptic procedures, and a degree or certification in medical laboratory science. Familiarity with laboratory safety equipment, microscopes, slide preparation, and quality control systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work accurately under time constraints are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable test results, promote laboratory safety, and contribute to efficient diagnostic workflows.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often specialized roles such as clinical laboratory managers or senior microbiology technicians, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, and the complexity of the laboratory environment, with some roles in healthcare or research offering higher compensation.

What are some common challenges faced when performing Gram staining in a clinical laboratory setting?

Gram staining can present challenges such as ensuring consistent specimen quality, avoiding cross-contamination, and accurately interpreting staining results under the microscope. Laboratory professionals must be precise in timing and reagent application, as small deviations can affect test accuracy. Working in a fast-paced environment often requires multitasking and maintaining strict adherence to protocols while processing numerous samples. Successful Gram staining professionals develop strong troubleshooting skills and maintain open communication with their team to ensure reliable diagnostics and patient care.

What is the highest paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, careers such as clinical laboratory directors, microbiologists, and biomedical scientists tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically involve supervisory or specialized technical responsibilities.

What is a Gram Staining job?

A Gram Staining job involves performing the Gram stain procedure to differentiate bacterial species into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on their cell wall composition. This role is typically found in microbiology laboratories, hospitals, or research facilities. Responsibilities include preparing slides, applying stains, using a microscope to analyze bacterial morphology, and documenting results. It is essential for diagnosing infections and guiding antibiotic treatment.

How can a physician use Gram staining in their profession?

While Gram staining is primarily a laboratory technique used by microbiologists and laboratory technicians, physicians rely on its results to identify bacterial infections and determine appropriate antibiotic treatment. Physicians interpret Gram stain reports to guide diagnosis and therapy, often in conjunction with other clinical information. Laboratory skills and understanding of microbiology are essential for accurate interpretation of Gram stain results.

What jobs can I do after studying microbiology?

With a background in microbiology, you can pursue careers such as microbiologist, clinical laboratory technician, research scientist, quality control analyst, or public health officer. These roles often require laboratory skills, knowledge of microbiological techniques, and sometimes certifications or advanced degrees.
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Gram Staining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gram Staining job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,951 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Food Lab Technician

JBT Marel Corporation

Lakeland, FL • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:
  • Work with Food Laboratory staff to conduct pathogen challenge studies and shelf-life studies in food products.
  • Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as directed.
  • Prepare and maintain media and chemical solutions utilizing proper handling, storage, use, and disposal techniques to ensure safety, hygiene, and integrity of results.
  • Record and enter data accurately and communicate results on a specified timeline.
  • Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications.
  • Perform basic food microbiology testing, including sample preparation, inoculation, plating with culture and 3M Petrifilm® methods, and rapid tests according to lab procedures.
  • Assist with maintaining an extensive microorganism library.
  • Perform basic food chemistry (pH, aW) and food texture analyses.
  • Conduct or assist with special projects as necessary, which could include non-standard analyses, development of methods, validation of new equipment and production of benchtop food samples.
  • Key performance measurements will include but may not be limited to: timeliness and proficiency in laboratory activities, accuracy and thoroughness documenting results, upkeep and organization of the laboratory, and contribution to enhancing lab practices and methods.

Required Skills:
  • Competencies in basic microbiology techniques should include pipetting, performing serial dilutions, Gram staining, visual organism identification, spread/pour plating, reading plates.
  • Basic computer skills, including use of MS Excel
  • Good verbal and written communication skills

Working Conditions:
  • Up to 100% of time will be spent in a laboratory setting.
  • Must be able to work safely with foodborne pathogens (including, but not limited to, coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes) in a BSL-2 environment.
  • Must be able to handle food products of all types without objection.
  • Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • May require extended periods of sitting and/or standing with occasional kneeling or crouching.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas (Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or hard sciences like Chemistry or Organic/Bio-chemistry)
  • Local candidates are preferred.
  • Skills and/or knowledge that will be advanced: microbiological techniques for the food industry, quality analyses for the food industry, experimental design and data analysis, basic food formulation and processing for a variety of applications, food safety regulations in North America

Apply