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Junior Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ecolab

Principal Microbiologist

Naperville, IL · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

... of microbiology and microbial control as a Principal Microbiologist within the Water Anchor ... Provide consulting/mentoring on experimental design and work direction for junior associates.

Ecolab

Principal Microbiologist

Naperville, IL · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

... of microbiology and microbial control as a Principal Microbiologist within the Water Anchor ... Provide consulting/mentoring on experimental design and work direction for junior associates.

NSF

Scientist I - Microbiology

Traverse City, MI · On-site

The Microbiologist is responsible for performing microbiological testing accurately, on time, and ... Experience mentoring or training junior team members About Us With a legacy spanning more than 80 ...

NSF

Scientist I - Microbiology

Traverse City, MI

The Microbiologist is responsible for performing microbiological testing accurately, on time, and ... Experience mentoring or training junior team members 1. Sample Preparation & Microbial Testing

NSF

Scientist I - Microbiology

Traverse City, MI · On-site

The Microbiologist is responsible for performing microbiological testing accurately, on time, and ... Experience mentoring or training junior team members 1. Sample Preparation & Microbial Testing

ERG

Junior Engineers/Scientists/Technicians

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Work will take place in specialized laboratories and machine shops, including fabrication machine shops, metrology laboratories, and other analytical and microbiological labs. As a junior ...

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Junior Microbiologist information

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How much do junior microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior microbiologist 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a junior microbiologist?

A Junior Microbiologist typically needs a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related life science field, with a solid understanding of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, microbiological testing techniques, and data analysis software such as PCR machines, spectrophotometers, and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for conducting accurate experiments, ensuring data integrity, and functioning well within collaborative laboratory teams.

What does a junior microbiologist do?

As a Junior Microbiologist, your daily tasks will likely include preparing and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, assisting in the setup of experiments, and recording and interpreting results. You may also support senior microbiologists with research projects, documentation, and ensuring that lab practices meet quality and safety standards. Collaboration is common, as you'll frequently work alongside scientists, lab technicians, and quality control teams. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation in laboratory operations and can help you build valuable skills for future career growth in microbiology and related fields.

What is a junior microbiologist?

A Junior Microbiologist is an entry-level professional who assists in conducting laboratory tests, analyzing microorganisms, and supporting research or quality control in industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or food safety. They work under the supervision of senior microbiologists, following protocols to examine bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. Their responsibilities may include preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting findings. This role helps ensure product safety, diagnose infections, or contribute to scientific advancements.

More about Junior Microbiologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Microbiologist jobs? Cities with the most Junior Microbiologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs? The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs are:
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Junior Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Microbiologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 52% Physical, and 48% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Principal Microbiologist

Ecolab

Naperville, IL • On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Ecolab rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company is seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist to join our innovation efforts in the areas of microbiology and microbial control as a Principal Microbiologist within the Water Anchor Research Development and Engineering group at our Naperville Technical Center in Illinois.This position will be responsible for conducting and leading research, development, and problem-solving projects to enable new product and platform technology development for applications in water treatment. This will also require working closely with other divisional RD&E teams to design and execute test work and communicate results. We are seeking candidates who have strong collaboration skills, are self-motivated, have good communication skills, are creative problem solvers, and possess strong observation and perception skills. This position represents a valuable and visible opportunity for a creative scientist to develop differentiated products and expand the current innovation portfolio in the field of water treatment and microbial control.What's in it For You:
  • The opportunity to take on some of the world's most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, abundant energy, and healthy environments
  • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
  • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best
  • A culture that values safety first, including training and personal protection.
What You Will Do:
  • As part of a diverse, global, multidisciplinary cross-functional team, a researcher in this position will collaborate directly with other scientists, research leaders, marketers, sales teams, and customers to develop, evaluate and deploy technical offerings.
  • Opportunity identification, ideation, initial feasibility analysis, process and product development, leading to commercial introduction of new programs and customer solutions.
  • Lead projects and program segments to meet technical and business objectives.
  • Develop new products, analytical tools, and systems integrating automation, equipment, and digital components to solve customer problems and deliver differentiated value in the area of microbial control for industrial water systems.
  • Provide advanced support for technologies within the existing product line and application area, following appropriate training
  • Plan and perform relevant experiments and interpret results to develop solutions to complex research problems.
  • Appropriately document and communicate all research and support activities using formal/informal reports and presentations.
  • Provide consulting/mentoring on experimental design and work direction for junior associates.
  • Provide technical support to assist the sales process. At times, this will require travel at a level up to 15%.
  • Ensure that all research activities are performed with safety as the top priority.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in Microbiology or related field and 0 or more years of R&D experience; a Master's Degree in Microbiology or related field and 1 or more years of R&D experience; a Bachelor's Degree Microbiology or related field and 2 or more years of R&D experience
  • Experience in technical leadership, communications, and management of complex research projects involving multi-functional teams.
  • Experience in the design and development of chemical technologies/formulations based on defined performance metrics.
  • Experience in microbiological laboratory techniques and design of experiment, analytical techniques, and chemical product characterization
  • Ability to travel up to 15%
  • Immigration Sponsorship not available for this role.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in microbial ecology, microbial physiology, water treatment and/or mitigation of microbiological growth and activity
  • Familiarity with industrial water system operations and technical challenges
  • Understanding of surface/interfacial chemistry and biochemistry
  • Understanding of fundamental physical/chemical/biological properties and structural activity relationships influencing microbiological activity and biofilm formation/disruption
  • A strong record of delivering innovative technologies
  • Familiarity with the use of chemical and biocidal products in industrial applications
  • Familiarity with the integration of equipment, automation, and digital technologies to industrial applications
  • Experience interacting directly with business leaders and customers to understand application needs and formulate technical specifications to aid in the design of product/platform solutions

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The pay range for this position is $85,900.00 - $128,900.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families.Click here to see our benefits.

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923

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