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Microbiology Lab Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Lab TA Microbiology:

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$16.80/hr

Position Details Position Information Job Title Lab TA Microbiology: BIO361, BIO379 Department Biology Terms and Hours 3-6 hours per week, Fall Semester Job Category Student Employment Hourly Wage ...

OR ยท On-site

Our mission is to reinvent the clinical microbiology lab using our novel, game-changing technology. To fulfill our mission and build world-changing technology, we value having a team with diverse ...

Lab Assistant

Lebanon, OR ยท On-site

$23.31 - $34.24/hr

Lab tests are processed for hospital inpatients and emergency room patients twenty four hours a day ... Bachelor's degree in sciences or college level coursework in sciences (biology, microbiology ...

Lab tests are processed for hospital inpatients and emergency room patients twenty four hours a day ... Bachelor's degree in sciences or college level coursework in sciences (biology, microbiology ...

Lab tests are processed for hospital inpatients and emergency room patients twenty four hours a day ... Bachelor's degree in sciences or college level coursework in sciences (biology, microbiology ...

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Microbiology Lab information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$24

$42

How much do microbiology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology lab in Oregon is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Microbiology Lab vs Microbiology Technician?

AspectMicrobiology LabMicrobiology Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in microbiology techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, often in hospitals, research facilities, or biotech companiesLaboratory or clinical environment, supporting microbiologists and scientists
Job RoleOversees microbiological testing, manages lab operations, and ensures quality controlPerforms tests, prepares samples, and assists microbiologists in experiments

Microbiology labs focus on managing and overseeing microbiological testing processes, often requiring higher education and managerial responsibilities. Microbiology technicians support these labs by conducting tests and preparing samples, typically with less formal education. Both roles are essential in microbiology work environments, but they differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does a microbiology lab do?

A microbiology lab specializes in studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These labs perform tests to identify and analyze microbes in samples from humans, animals, food, water, or the environment. The results are used for diagnosing infections, monitoring public health, ensuring food safety, and supporting research. Microbiology labs play a vital role in detecting outbreaks, guiding treatment decisions, and advancing scientific knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Microbiology Lab Technician, you need a strong background in biology or microbiology, laboratory techniques, and attention to detail, typically backed by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data analysis software such as LIMS is essential. Strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precise, reliable results and maintain laboratory safety and efficiency in testing and research environments.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a microbiology lab, and how can they be managed?

One common challenge in a microbiology lab is maintaining strict aseptic techniques to prevent contamination, which requires constant attention to detail and proper training. Technicians also frequently balance multiple tests with tight turnaround times, so strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize are essential. Additionally, working with potentially hazardous microorganisms means adhering to safety protocols at all times, often in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Open communication and teamwork help manage workloads and ensure accurate results.
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiology Lab jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Microbiology Lab jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Microbiology Lab job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,572 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Lab TA Microbiology:

University of Portland

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$16.80/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Job Title
Lab TA Microbiology: BIO361, BIO379
Department
Biology
Terms and Hours
3-6 hours per week, Fall Semester
Job Category
Student Employment
Hourly Wage
Portland Metro Minimum Wage ($16.80)
Job Summary
A teaching assistant (TA) is an individual who assists a faculty member with instructional responsibilities. This position is to assist Dr. Kenton and Dr. Mani with Microbiology Laboratory and Microbiology for Nurses Laboratory in Fall 2026, with the possibility of continuing in Spring 2027. Previous completion of BIO301/361 or BIO359/379 is required: TAs must have successfully completed the course they wish to TA. Teaching assistants will work approximately 3-6 hours per week in Swindells Hall. Hours will be decided upon between TA and the course instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Availability during one of the below times is required:
  • BIO361A Tuesday 9:45-12:45PM - Kenton
  • BIO361B Tuesday 12:55-3:55PM - Wynne
  • BIO379A Wednesday 2:40-5:40PM - Mani
  • BIO379B Wednesday 9:15-12:15PM - Marino
  • BIO379C Thursday 9:45-12:45PM - Weilhoefer
  • BIO379D Thursday 2:30-5:30PM - Weilhoefer
  • BIO379E Wednesday 1:35-4:35PM - Marino

Applicants will be asked to submit a brief cover letter that describes their availability for one or more of these lab sections (specifically identified), their suitablility for the position, and whether they are eligible for Federal Work Study. Applicants will also be asked to submit a current resume that summarizes their relevant academic and professional experience.
Core Duties
  • Prepare for lab each week: Read the experimental procedures, TA instructions, and any other special information that is provided by the course instructor or laboratory manager. Ask the course instructor to answer any questions you may have regarding the procedures, set-ups, calculations, waste management, and/or safety issues before the designated laboratory time.
  • Assist with regular pre-lab period set-up: Gather instructional items, set up demonstrations, prepare solutions, gather reagents, samples, etc. for use by students in upcoming lab section.
  • When requested, provide brief introductory presentations at the beginning of the lab period.
  • Assist students during the lab by answering questions or providing experimental advice.
  • Clean up after each lab: Properly dispose of solutions that do not keep. Clean spills using proper methods. Clean/wipe-down the hoods, lab benches, the areas around balances, and the areas around instruments used during the laboratory period. Return and secure all caps and tops to reagent bottles. Refill/replace reagents and consumable supplies as needed. Return reagents, supplies, equipment to location found at beginning of the laboratory period. Take dirty glassware or bio-hazardous waste bags to the dishwashing room. Wash and put away other glassware, as needed. Reset lab as needed.
  • Show up at time designated by instructor. TAs must notify Instructor in advance if they cannot prep lab, attend, or assist with clean up for a lab period for any reason.
  • Promote Safety in the Laboratory: Enforce proper use of protective equipment, proper handling of chemical spills, proper handling of broken glassware, proper collection of chemical waste for disposal, and proper disposal of non-hazardous laboratory waste. Be alert for potentially unsafe behavior, practices, set-ups, and situations, and correct them; or bring them to the attention of the instructor if you are unsure of the proper procedures to be used.
  • Attend all TA meetings (times to be arranged with instructor).
  • Provide feedback to faculty on exercises.
  • May be asked to assist with grading (exams, quizzes, lab assignments).
  • May be asked to prepare review materials for lab sections, as needed.
  • May be asked to independently run Open Laboratory sessions.
  • Submit accurate, bi-monthly timesheet via on-line portal to Laboratory Manager.
  • Other relevant tasks, as needed, by instructor.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Applicant must be available during one or more lab sections.
  • Successful completion of BIO301/361 Microbiology for Biology Majors or BIO 359/379 Microbiology for Nurses is required: Applicants must have completed the course they wish to TA.
  • Satisfactory evaluations in any previous position as a departmental assistant in the Department of Biology.
  • Satisfactory progress toward a degree.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Preference will be given to Biology majors and minors and/or students with prior experience as a laboratory assistant
  • Students with Federal Work Study in Financial Aid Package preferred.
  • Students with Green Dot Certification preferred.

Physical Requirements
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
SE1050-2023
Number of Vacancies
Estimated Start Date
08/21/2026
Open Date
07/17/2026
Close Date
08/20/2026