ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Microbiology Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

The research assistant will work with graduate students in the lab to assist with carrying out microbiological and molecular lab work including bacterial culturing, protist culturing, interaction ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMicrobiology Research Jobs

Microbiology Research information

See salary details

$13

$21

$33

How much do microbiology research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology research in the United States is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in microbiology research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in microbiology research often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterile techniques to avoid contamination, troubleshooting experimental protocols when results are inconsistent, and managing time effectively due to the unpredictability of microbial growth rates. Addressing these issues involves rigorous attention to laboratory protocols, continuous learning and adaptation to new methodologies, and clear communication with team members to share troubleshooting strategies. Many research teams also hold regular meetings to discuss results and collaboratively solve experimental problems, creating a supportive environment for professional growth.

What is the difference between Microbiology Research vs Microbiologist?

AspectMicrobiology ResearchMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field; research experienceUsually a Bachelor's degree; some roles require a Master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesHospitals, clinics, laboratories, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, biotech companiesHealthcare, pharmaceuticals, food industry, environmental agencies

Microbiology Research focuses on conducting experiments and advancing scientific knowledge in microbiology, often within academic or research institutions. Microbiologists apply this knowledge in practical settings like healthcare or industry, often performing diagnostic or quality control tasks. While both roles require microbiology knowledge, research roles emphasize experimentation and discovery, whereas microbiologists focus on application and analysis.

What is microbiology research?

Microbiology research is the scientific study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to understand their biology, behavior, and effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Researchers in this field investigate how these microorganisms interact, cause disease, and can be utilized in areas like medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Their work often involves laboratory experiments, data analysis, and the development of new techniques or treatments. Microbiology research plays a crucial role in advancing public health, developing antibiotics, and addressing global challenges such as antibiotic resistance.

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

To thrive as a Microbiology Researcher, you need a strong background in biology and chemistry, advanced laboratory skills, and typically a bachelor’s or graduate degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with techniques such as PCR, microscopy, cell culturing, and data analysis software is essential, as is knowledge of laboratory safety protocols. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with research teams. These competencies ensure accurate results, scientific integrity, and the ability to advance research objectives successfully.
More about Microbiology Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Microbiology Research jobs? Cities with the most Microbiology Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiology Research jobs? The most popular types of Microbiology Research jobs are:
What states have the most Microbiology Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Microbiology Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Microbiology Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Microbiology Research jobs are:
Microbiology Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microbiology Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,914 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Senior Manager Microbiology, Research and Product Development

RPM ReSearch

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Senior Manager Microbiology, Research, and Product Development


The Senior Manager Microbiology, Research has the ability to work in both existing and emerging topical anti-infective technologies and the ability to lead a microbiology group across other medical device applications. This role has responsibility for the scientific, operational and administrative oversight of the Microbiology Research Laboratories spread across two sites: R&D and Product Manufacturing. This position is actively involved in the product development team and is an individual who can push on timelines and answer technical questions, handle technical issues pertaining to medical device infection control product development.

The Senior Manager Microbiology will be responsible for providing a broad range of microbiology expertise to support the discovery and development of new antimicrobial products and to foster and facilitate support for existing products. The Senior Manager Microbiology will be responsible for ensuring technical accuracy and on-time delivery of results prioritized by the Infection Prevention Surgical business and other associated business units. The Senior Manager Microbiology will lead microbiological evaluation, development, and qualification of new antimicrobial technologies while leveraging microbiology and clinical expertise of the team and external thought leaders. This position will work closely with business, R&D, regulatory, quality, clinical and medical leaders and their teams from across the company in managing worldwide development programs.

This position is ultimately responsible for the overall microbiology package to support products and is the Subject Matter Expert in Microbiology

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in life sciences (Microbiology preferred) or equivalent with a minimum of 8 years of industrial working experience in medical device or anti-infective Pharmaceutical product development

  • MS in life sciences (Microbiology preferred) or equivalent with a minimum of 10 years of industrial working experience in medical device or anti-infective Pharmaceutical product development, or

  • Bachelors life sciences (Microbiology preferred) or equivalent with a minimum of 12 years of industrial working experience in medical device or anti-infective Pharmaceutical product development

  • and at least 5 years in technical managerial position

  • The successful candidate will have a proven record demonstrating all aspects of product design and development transfer to manufacturing, support of the regulatory and clinical submission process, and commercial launch of infection prevention pharmaceutical and/or medical devices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Accountability for planning, resource allocation and management, technical accuracy and on-time/on budget delivery of R&D Microbiology efforts to support GPDS and innovation based projects including Pre-Clinical and Clinical Microbiology and Quality based methodologies. Drives constant execution and process improvements, and strives to implement best-in-class operating approaches that maximize team functional deliverables. Incorporates compliance considerations with all the applicable regulatory agencies (FDA, ISO, and other authorized bodies) and corporate/local policies (GPDS, QA) into program design and execution. Assures that the development and delivery of products are consistent with corporate standards and meets the requirement for performance and manufacturability.

  • Is in the lab with the staff when needed but acting not only as the manager but primarily as the cross-functional subject matter expert (SME) across all of microbiology for the organization.

  • Provides requested input on capital budgets, resource requirements, financial budgets during planning exercises. Simultaneously coordinates functional aspects of multiple complex programs comprising a diversity of technical, regulatory and business considerations wherein failure to successfully achieve the expected outcome will significantly impact critical business objectives.

  • Responsible for technical support and sustaining of current products as requested by the business. Responsible for providing requested Core Microbiology functional input and support to sales, marketing, regulatory, medical and other functions. Responsible for documentation and maintenance of the microbiology culture collection and other resources that support the Interventional/Surgery business.

  • Serves as an internal expert on technical matters related to current products, approaches, regulatory requirements, and clinical applications in the area of infection prevention approaches (pharmaceutical and/or device based).

  • Represents the business in internal and external matters related to these topics when requested.

  • Leads in strategic visioning, technical aspects of intellectual property and assessments of emerging internal and external technologies. Provides technical updates, opinions, and recommendations, to the Leadership team as requested. Provides technical information on competitive products and analyzes/strengths/weaknesses of competing technologies to assist commercialization efforts.

  • Maintains expertise in the field of clinical microbiology, and up-to-date knowledge of competitors, clinical needs, customer capabilities, and technical approaches.

  • Participates in, and provides technical leadership for, multi-disciplinary technical projects in the Microbiology and Molecular area.

  • Responsible for associate performance and reviews, associate development and engagement, hiring, and adjusting the staff to meet business needs. Responsible for maintaining appropriate technical and knowledge skill sets within the team to provide support to the clinical, regulatory, marketing, sales and bench-based product development and technology development requirements of the programs.

  • Responsible for laboratory functionality, safety, training, equipment acquisition and maintenance, and space allocation.

  • Responsible for implementation of experimental design and data documentation processes. Ensures the accurate recording of data that lead to and support decisions affecting product development, technology development or intellectual property. Contributes to intellectual property submissions and assures appropriate records in support of concepts and reduction to practice.

.