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Lead Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pyramid Laboratories Inc

Microbiologist II

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

Extensive experience in Microbiology and EM groups and can lead actively and / or participate in technical projects pertaining to microbiology related testing processes, including but not limited to ...

Staar Surgical

Senior Microbiologist

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... 6. Lead and support research and development and method development efforts. 7. Develop or assist in developing experimental designs and test plans. 8. Perform regular site microbiological ...

Evergen

Microbiologist 2

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Lead or support investigations involving microbiological OOS/OOT results, EM excursions, contamination events, and sterility failures. * Provide microbiology support for aseptic processing, gowning ...

kindeva

QC Microbiologist II

Bridgeton, MO

Lead development, optimization, transfer, and validation of microbiological test methods including bioburden, endotoxin, sterility testing, microbial identification, and environmental monitoring ...

Medline

Microbiologist

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$67K - $101K/yr

Lead method suitability, interference assessments, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement ... Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related scientific discipline. * 5+ years experience in QC and ...

kindeva

QC Microbiologist II

Bridgeton, MO

Lead development, optimization, transfer, and validation of microbiological test methods including bioburden, endotoxin, sterility testing, microbial identification, and environmental monitoring ...

GE HealthCare

Microbiologist 1

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$52K - $78K/yr

Summary The Microbiologist is responsible for in-process and release testing of injectable ... build trust; lead with transparency; deliver with focus, and drive ownership -always with ...

kindeva

QC Microbiologist II

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

Lead development, optimization, transfer, and validation of microbiological test methods including bioburden, endotoxin, sterility testing, microbial identification, and environmental monitoring ...

kindeva

QC Microbiologist II

Bridgeton, MO

Lead development, optimization, transfer, and validation of microbiological test methods including bioburden, endotoxin, sterility testing, microbial identification, and environmental monitoring ...

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All JobsLead Microbiologist Jobs

Lead Microbiologist information

See salary details

$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do lead microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Microbiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), PCR, and other molecular biology tools, as well as relevant certifications like ASCP, is often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and collaborating across departments. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure accurate results, regulatory compliance, and efficient laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Lead Microbiologist vs Microbiology Supervisor?

AspectLead MicrobiologistMicrobiology Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Microbiology or related field, possibly certificationsBachelor's degree, relevant experience, certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, quality control, R&DLaboratory oversight, team management
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, biotech, food safetyLaboratories in similar industries, quality assurance
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career pathsJob responsibilities, team leadership

The Lead Microbiologist typically focuses on research, testing, and ensuring microbiological safety, often leading projects. The Microbiology Supervisor manages laboratory staff, oversees daily operations, and ensures compliance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ mainly in scope—research versus team management.

What are Lead Microbiologists?

Lead Microbiologists are senior scientists who oversee laboratory teams conducting research, analysis, and experiments involving microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are responsible for designing studies, ensuring laboratory safety and compliance, and interpreting complex data to support product development, quality control, or public health initiatives. Lead Microbiologists also mentor junior staff, manage laboratory resources, and collaborate with other departments or external organizations. Their expertise is crucial in fields like pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental science, and healthcare.

How does a Lead Microbiologist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a laboratory setting?

As a Lead Microbiologist, you will frequently work with cross-functional teams, including quality assurance, production, and research & development staff. Your role involves communicating complex microbiological findings, guiding protocol development, and ensuring that all teams adhere to regulatory and safety standards. Effective collaboration is essential for troubleshooting issues, streamlining testing procedures, and implementing new methodologies. You'll also mentor junior microbiologists and coordinate with management to align laboratory goals with organizational objectives.
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Lead Microbiologist jobs near you
Microbiologist II

Microbiologist II

Pyramid Laboratories Inc

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$25 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Pyramid Pharma Services is searching for a Microbiologist II to serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert with regards to environmental control in an aseptic processing operation, and all other microbiology testing related to customer products and operations. Reporting to the Director of Microbiology, this role requires effective cross-functional interaction at all levels, the ability to partner with other internal groups to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement of environmental control and microbiology testing.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

  • Extensive experience in Microbiology and EM groups and can lead actively and / or participate in technical projects pertaining to microbiology related testing processes, including but not limited to method development, transfer and validation activities, sanitization studies, media fill qualification activities, etc.
  • Performs method validation/ suitability for microbiological tests, specifically bioburden and sterility testing.
  • Performs trending analyses of data collected via environmental, personnel and utility monitoring in support of investigations, Quality Management Review, Annual Product Review, etc.; publish conclusions and make recommendations for process changes as applicable.
  • Investigates and documents any identified excursions or trends, including root cause analysis, impact assessment, and identification of corrective / preventive actions.
  • Plans and implements corrective and preventive actions (including procedure and test method revisions), and assists/measures the effectiveness of such changes.
  • Assesses processes and procedure changes proposed by others for potential impact on environmental monitoring / microbiology testing processes.
  • Participates in cross-functional meetings when needed and training sessions with manufacturing operations.
  • Regularly interacts with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers.
  • Authors technical protocols and reports for QC Microbiology.
  • Assists management in establishing operational objectives, goals, and project assignments.
  • Works through and solves complex projects/problems, where data and situation analysis are required.
  • Works on special projects and studies.
  • Writes protocols, review data, and write final reports.
  • Prepares reports for other Microbiological tests.
  • Develops and prepares Environmental Monitoring Trend reports specifically for an aseptic manufacturing facility.

Laboratory Support Activities:

  • Maintains qualification for all microbiology sampling procedures and test methods; performs testing as needed to support business needs.
  • Coordinates and/or conducts training for new laboratory personnel; provides technical assistance to laboratory personnel as needed.
  • Coordinates with contracts testing laboratories and experts as needed.
  • Reviews process and testing documentation as needed to ensure complete and accurate records are maintained.
  • Assists in the conduct of vendor audits as a microbiology subject matter expert, as needed.
  • Supports Agency, customer and vendor audits as needed.
  • Performs other tasks, projects, and duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • 4-year degree in biology relate fields (i.e., biology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc.)
  • 3+ years of experience in commercial biotechnology or pharmaceutical production environment preferred.