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Microbiome Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Microbiome information

See Portland, OR salary details

$20.1K

$66.6K

$133.6K

How much do microbiome jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for microbiome in Portland, OR is $66,641.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a microbiome?

A microbiome job involves studying microbial communities that inhabit environments such as the human body, soil, or water. Professionals in this field analyze how these microorganisms interact, influence health, and impact ecosystems. Roles may include research scientists, bioinformaticians, or clinical microbiologists working in academia, healthcare, or biotechnology. Responsibilities often involve conducting experiments, sequencing microbial DNA, and interpreting data to develop applications in medicine, agriculture, or environmental science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a microbiome position?

To excel in a microbiome scientist or researcher role, a strong background in microbiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology—typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc—is required. Familiarity with technical tools like next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, metagenomic data analysis software, and statistical programming languages (e.g., R or Python) is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent collaboration and communication skills elevate performance in team-based research environments. These competencies are vital for advancing scientific understanding, troubleshooting experiments, and translating findings into impactful applications.

What are the typical career paths and advancement opportunities for professionals working in the microbiome field?

Professionals in the microbiome field often start as research associates, lab technicians, or junior scientists and can advance to lead scientist, project manager, or principal investigator roles over time. Opportunities for advancement may also include transitioning into regulatory affairs, clinical development, or business development within biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic organizations. Many organizations encourage further specialization in areas like data science, immunology, or product development, and provide support for conference participation and publication of research. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams is common and helps broaden professional networks and skillsets. Overall, the field is rapidly evolving, offering ample opportunities for growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions to human and environmental health.

Infographic showing various Microbiome job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,641 per year, or $32 per hour.

$66K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care.
Read more about the School of Dentistry: OHSU School of Dentistry
Function/Duties of Position
The successful candidate will work independently to investigate the molecular mechanisms that support health associated polymicrobial communities. He/she will be responsible for most of the planning, implementation, and data interpretation associated with his/her research. Thus, the candidate will be expected to work independently with attention to detail and strong record-keeping. The goal is to understand how the oral flora interacts and lead to early childhood caries disease development. This includes intra, inter microbial and potentially host interactions. Typical laboratory techniques often require expertise with gene expression analysis, targeted mutagenesis, microscopy, bacterial community analysis, and multiple `omics analysis.
Demonstrable experience with streptococcoal genetics and rodent animal models as well as these techniques is preferred. As a postdoctoral scholar, the candidate may also be involved with the training and supervision of students and junior staff as well as play an integral role in the management and supply ordering for the laboratory. Assistance with the development and preparation of grants/manuscripts will also be expected.
Required Qualifications
  • Doctorate degree in (genetics, biochemistry/molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or another relevant field)
  • Demonstrable experience with some or all of the following: bacterial genetics, protein chemistry, proteomics, DNA/ RNA purification/analysis, gene expression/transcriptomics, bacterial community analysis, cell culture
  • Grant writing or Manuscript preparation experience
  • Planning, implementation, and data interpretation experience
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Organiztional and time management skills that maintain timeliness of work and accurate prioritization
  • Attention to detail and strong record keeping experience/skills
  • Able to conduct research in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research environment, occasionally with tight deadlines
  • Able to work independently and exhibit self-motivation

Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree and/or postdoctoral research related to bacteriology
  • Experience/knowledge of the microbiome, especially the oral flora
  • Experience with oral bacterial genetics Experience with animal models

Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887