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Microbiologist Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Microbiologist Trainee information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do microbiologist trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for microbiologist trainee 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 is the difference between Microbiologist Trainee vs Microbiologist?

AspectMicrobiologist TraineeMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in microbiology or related field; some positions may require certificationBachelor's degree required; often a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, hospitals, or public health agencies; supervised trainingLaboratories, research institutions, healthcare settings; independent or team-based work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position for training in microbiology; used by educational institutions and employers for skill developmentProfessional role in microbiology research, diagnostics, and public health; employed by labs, hospitals, and government agencies

The main difference between a Microbiologist Trainee and a Microbiologist is experience and responsibility. Trainees are in learning or entry-level stages, often supervised, while microbiologists are fully qualified professionals conducting independent research, diagnostics, or analysis.

What does a Microbiologist Trainee do?

A Microbiologist Trainee assists experienced microbiologists in conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and recording results. They often prepare samples, maintain laboratory equipment, and follow strict safety protocols. This role provides foundational training in microbiological techniques and helps trainees develop skills for more advanced positions in research, clinical, or industrial microbiology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microbiologist Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microbiologist Trainee, you need a solid understanding of biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, typically gained through a degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data analysis software is important, and some roles may require knowledge of LIMS or basic certifications in laboratory safety. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork make individuals stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, safe lab practices, and successful collaboration on research projects.

What types of projects and laboratory techniques can I expect to work with as a Microbiologist Trainee?

As a Microbiologist Trainee, you'll typically be involved in projects such as analyzing water, food, or clinical samples for microbial contamination, supporting ongoing research experiments, and assisting in quality control testing. You'll gain hands-on experience with common laboratory techniques, including aseptic technique, culturing microorganisms, Gram staining, and using equipment like autoclaves and microscopes. Trainees often collaborate closely with senior microbiologists and laboratory technicians, learning proper documentation and data analysis practices. This role provides a strong foundation for advancing into more specialized or independent positions within microbiology.
More about Microbiologist Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Microbiologist Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Microbiologist Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs? The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs are:
What states have the most Microbiologist Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Microbiologist Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Microbiologist Trainee job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.
Reagent Lab Technologist Trainee

Reagent Lab Technologist Trainee

ARUP Laboratories

Salt Lake City, UT

$21.94/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


ARUP Laboratories rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Schedule:
Monday - Friday (40 hrs/wk) 
7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Training Schedule:
Monday - Friday (40 hrs/wk)
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Department: Reagent Lab-Production - 881
Primary Purpose:
The Reagent Lab Technologist Trainee provides services in the Reagent Production Laboratory while working under the direction of a Technologist, Workflow Coordinator, Technical Specialist, and/or Technical Supervisor for the Reagent Lab and/or STM/QA. Regular duties include routine production in the following areas: cell culture, reagents, controls, kits, gels, and microbiological media production; answering the telephone; equipment maintenance, performance, and documentation; minor problem solving.
After hire, must work for one year under the direction of a Reagent Laboratory Technologist.
About ARUP:
ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive.
We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.

Essential Functions:

Manufacture of reagents, kits, gels, microbiological media, and mammalian cell cultures.

Recognizes and reports abnormal results.

Operates selected laboratory instruments and ensures proper functioning of laboratory equipment. Performs minor troubleshooting and routine maintenance under direction of Workflow Coordinator, and/or Technical Supervisor. Reports service issues to Workflow Coordinator. Maintains records and documentation.

Performs new procedures, with appropriate training, as directed by the Workflow Coordinator and/or the Technical Supervisor.

Assists others in area of defined competency when assigned workload is complete.

Maintains clean and orderly work area. Cleans bench surfaces and equipment each shift or after contamination or spills. Completes required documentation.

Stocks and maintains reagents and supplies. Notes receipt date and lot number on reagents to ensure that oldest stock is used first. Discards outdated reagents according to policy and notifies Workflow Coordinator.

Complies with and follows safety and biohazard regulations as outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual.

Attends laboratory meetings and in-services as required.Remains informed of all procedures and procedure changes.

These functions may also apply to STM/QA Technologist, Trainees

Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Other Requirements:
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Mobility: The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies.
ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.

Education Qualifications:

Reagent Laboratory Technologist Trainees at ARUP must have a Bachelor’s degree in the chemical or biological sciences including:

  • 16 credits of biology including medical, clinical or pathogenic microbiology

  • 16 credits of chemistry including quantitative analysis/analytical chemistry and clinical chemistry/biochemistry

  •  3 credits of math, physics, or statistics

This position requires an evaluation of education and credentials. This may include but not limited to; all college/university transcripts (including any transferred credits), all degrees conferred, a letter from the school’s registrar stating the date of expected graduation if enrolled in the last semester, and any relevant certifications. Upon request, submit all required documents. To avoid delays please ensure these documents are available.


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