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Microbiology Lab Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Microbiology Lab Assistant information

See Alberta salary details

$12

$15

$17

How much do microbiology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology lab assistant in Alberta is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microbiology lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microbiology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, laboratory safety protocols, and at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurate sample processing and teamwork. These competencies are vital for ensuring precise test results, maintaining lab safety, and supporting research or diagnostic objectives.

What does a microbiology lab assistant do?

A Microbiology Lab Assistant supports microbiologists by preparing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and conducting basic laboratory tests. They help ensure experiments run smoothly by following strict protocols and keeping the lab organized and sterile. Their daily tasks may also include labeling specimens, recording data, and disposing of biohazardous materials properly. This role is essential for maintaining safety and accuracy in microbiological research and testing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by microbiology lab assistants and how can they be addressed?

Microbiology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterile techniques to avoid contamination, accurately following protocols for sample preparation, and managing multiple tasks during busy periods. To address these, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, pay close attention to detail, and communicate effectively with team members. Regularly reviewing standard operating procedures and participating in team meetings can also help ensure quality and efficiency in the lab environment.

What is the difference between Microbiology Lab Assistant vs Microbiology Technician?

AspectMicrobiology Lab AssistantMicrobiology Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree or relevant certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, research facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample preparation, cleaning, and basic tasksPerforming tests, analyzing samples, recording data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, research, and educational labsCommonly employed in clinical and industrial microbiology labs

While both roles support microbiology labs, Microbiology Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support functions, whereas Microbiology Technicians perform more detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and industry but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What does a microbiology lab assistant do?

A microbiology lab assistant provides support for scientists and researchers in a microbiology lab where they study microbes, viruses, fungi, parasites, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms. In this career, you may work on sample collection, aid in the testing of cultures and samples, maintain a specimen record, and sterilize and clean equipment after testing. Some labs may also expect you to carry out other administrative duties. Your responsibilities as a microbiology lab assistant may also include recording data and maintaining records.

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Infographic showing various Microbiology Lab Assistant job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,197 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

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Re-posted 8 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Department Supervisor in the Food and Microbiology lab. This lab plays a leading role in testing and assuring a safe food supply in the Western Canada market. The Department Supervisor is a key member of the department's safety team and provides awareness around safety first. You will be relied upon heavily by other colleagues such as technicians, peers, management and other positions. In this role you will be working along side the technicians to support and guide staff in timely completion of daily work.

Responsibilities
  • Manage initiatives for the department set forth and in conjunction with location safety strategy
  • Under the direction of the General Manager and in cooperation with Senior Technician, assist in the efficient operation and growth of the assigned department
  • Provide professional and timely customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Ensure customer satisfaction through daily interaction with technicians and execution of operational jobs.
  • Provide direct supervision of lab technical staff
  • Provide status updates, quote assistance and other internal and external customer service responsibilities as needed
  • Participate and contribute in supervisory responsibilities to include hiring decisions, performance management input, decisions and execution, and approval of overtime and time cards
  • Team work schedule development and updates as required
  • Understand the customer needs in order to translate and deliver desired customer results
  • Adhere to, support and follow all Element safety guidelines
  • Project management, employee development, discipline, other transactional duties associated with this role
  • Inventory review and management to ensure critical supplies are maintained in stock
  • The position is a working supervisor that will be able to fill in where required due to staffing shortages or sample volume surges
Skills / Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in a technical field and college level courses completed or a minimum of 3 years' experience in a supervisory role in an industry similar or related to the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry with a diploma in the field of Microbiology
  • Food microbiology specific experience in a commercial lab testing food for target pathogens using molecular and cultural techniques; quantitative analysis of typical indicator parameters
  • Working knowledge of laboratory safety
  • Strong computer skills and basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra
  • Ability to lift <50 lbs. often and > 50 lbs. on occasion and stand on feet for long periods of time
  • Ability to work primarily alone and make independent decisions during the course of the work day
  • Ability to communicate and demonstrate the importance of meeting all applicable requirements of assigned department
  • Interpersonal skills essential to relate to and coach a diverse multicultural and multigenerational team
  • Proven ability to read, understand and interpret program or test requirements and have ability to analyze and translate into finished testing or report data
  • Excellent communication skills and telephone etiquett
  • Proficient skill in word processing and spreadsheet software
  • High impact of experience on the business at the local commercial, technical and operational level
  • Proven and recognized ability to provide accurate and timely status reports to internal and external customers
  • Ability to track multiple testing jobs / programs from start to finish and assist with contract review of job status daily, including follow-up emails and phone calls daily to and from internal and external customers

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Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER

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