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Microbiology Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$28.90 - $39.78/hr

... Microbiology according to established Protocols and standard operating procedures. The Medical ... Bachelors Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 ...

$28.90 - $39.78/hr

... Microbiology according to established Protocols and standard operating procedures. The Medical ... Bachelors Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 ...

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Microbiology Lab information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do microbiology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology lab in Virginia is $22.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $23.85 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, and why are they important?

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Microbiology Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Microbiology Lab jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Microbiology Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Microbiology Lab job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,421 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Microbiology Lab Supervisor - 1st Shift Altavista, VA Plant

Abbott

Altavista, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Microbiology Lab Supervisor
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity
This position works out of our Altavista, VA location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands - including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® - to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.
Altavista, Va., is one of Abbott's largest nutrition manufacturing plants equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient production. Working here will make you feel like you're part of a family that works together to make a difference and help nourish millions of families around the world.
The Microbiology Front Line Leader supervises the activities and resources within the Microbiology Laboratory area to ensure support is provided to meet the department and company goals. Lead the team of technicians who perform the microbiology testing. Manage the operation of microbiology laboratory including developing and implementing microbiology testing: sterility testing, environmental testing (air, surface, fluid, bioburden), bacteria ID, certification of the population of the label claim and new types of biological testing as necessary.
What You'll Work On
  • Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures.
  • Supervises microbiology testing including biological indicator incubation time studies.
  • Manages the working schedule within the Microbiology Laboratory.
  • Writes protocols and reports (sterilization, bioburden recovery, ETO dissipation etc.).
  • Determines new test methods as appropriate.
  • Monitors equipment performance and calibration schedules.
  • Creates laboratory operation procedures and follows guidelines from regulatory agencies
  • Drive a culture of engagement through the team and department. Directly supervises team and participates in staffing activities. Develop all line personnel by securing appropriate training, providing mentoring and assigning progressively challenging stretch responsibilities within the scope of the team and department accountabilities.
  • Manage budget accountability for Headcount, Overtime, and direct expenses for a shift and/or line. Track, trend and continuously improve budgetary performance for direct expenses, headcount, overtime (OT), Material Usage Variance (MUV) and Scrap and Cost Improvement Projects (CIP).
  • Understand performance drivers and develop and execute plans around improvement of line performance and quality metrics with support from the direct manager. Understand all key performance indicators, driving and executing plans for improvement through team engagement.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • 2-5 years of related work experience with a good understanding of specified functional area.
  • Working technical knowledge and application of concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of identifiable factors.
  • Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
  • Has a broad knowledge of technical alternatives and an understanding of their impact on the systems environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree with 0-2 years of related work experience

Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
The base pay for this position is
$61,300.00 - $122,700.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Operations Quality
DIVISION:
ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain
LOCATION:
United States > Altavista : Building 1
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Yes, 5 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
No
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Lift, carry, push or pull weights of more than 20 pounds/9 kilos on a regular/daily basis
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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