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Lab Microbiologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Supervisor Laboratory- Microbiology

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$86K - $140K/yr

... the Microbiology team. The position is a Full-Time Evening Shift: Monday-Friday, every other ... Lab Management Experience with 5 years generalist experience About Us We are Inova, Northern ...

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How much do lab microbiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab microbiologist in Washington is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $27.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab microbiologist do?

A Lab Microbiologist is a scientist who studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites in a laboratory setting. Their work involves conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and identifying microbes to help diagnose diseases, ensure food safety, or support research and development. Lab Microbiologists use specialized equipment and techniques to observe microbial growth and assess the effects of various substances. They often work in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, or food industries. Their findings are crucial for public health, product safety, and scientific advancement.

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

To thrive as a Lab Microbiologist, you need a solid background in biology, microbiology techniques, and laboratory safety, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in microbiology or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, sterile technique, and data analysis software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate results, maintaining lab safety, and supporting scientific research or clinical diagnostics.

What is the difference between Lab Microbiologist vs Microbiology Technician?

AspectLab MicrobiologistMicrobiology Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field; often requires certificationAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, quality control, healthcare, pharmaceutical companiesLaboratories, manufacturing plants, clinical testing facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesDesign experiments, analyze data, interpret results, oversee testing proceduresPerform routine tests, prepare samples, operate lab equipment

Lab Microbiologists typically hold higher degrees and focus on research, analysis, and overseeing microbiological testing. Microbiology Technicians support these efforts by conducting routine tests and sample preparation. Both roles are essential in microbiology labs, but Lab Microbiologists usually have more advanced responsibilities and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Microbiologist jobs in Washington?

For Lab Microbiologist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Microbiologist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Microbiologist jobs in Washington are:

Lab Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Microbiologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,174 per year, or $26 per hour.

Senior Microbiologist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you marvel at the complexity of biology and seek to leverage microbiology in creative ways?
Do you want to explore the microbes that enable our daily lives and are pivotal to our National Security?
Do you love contributing your microbiology subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on application development for National Defense?
If you answered yes to these questions, we're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a highly motivated microbiologist to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways, biocorrosion, and biomaterials.
As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.
As a Senior Microbiologist you will...
  • Contribute to projects involving engineering of non-model microbes.
  • Work with a variety of non-model fungi and bacterial systems.
  • Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts in the research areas mentioned above.
  • Support new business development activities to expand program scope within the Research and Exploratory Development Department and other business areas across APL, including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
  • Provide leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
  • Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external sponsors
  • Assist and collaborate with scientists in support of laboratory-based experimentation.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Engineering, or a similar field.
  • Have 1+ year experience designing, running, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
  • Have wet lab experience culturing, assaying, and manipulating bacterial species.
  • Are proficient in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA manipulation and analysis, qPCR and plate-reader assay development, and microscopy techniques.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience working with non-model organisms like Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans.
  • Have expertise culturing and manipulating anaerobic microbes.
  • Have experience with assays characterizing microbial surface colonization and biofilm formation.
  • Have previous experience in genetic engineering techniques, metabolic engineering, or biomaterials.
  • Have experience with environmental microbiology, fungi, or microbiome systems.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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