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Principal Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Microbiologist information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do principal microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal microbiologist in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal microbiologist?

Principal Microbiologists are highly experienced scientists who lead research and development projects related to microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They often oversee teams of microbiologists, design experiments, analyze complex data, ensure laboratory safety, and contribute to scientific publications. In addition to research, they may also advise organizations on infection control, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Principal Microbiologists typically have advanced degrees and significant experience in both laboratory and managerial roles. Their work is essential in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and food safety.

How does a principal microbiologist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a laboratory setting?

A Principal Microbiologist often works closely with quality assurance, research and development, and production teams to ensure that all microbial testing meets regulatory and safety standards. They serve as a scientific leader, providing guidance on experimental design and troubleshooting complex issues that arise during routine testing or product development. Regular meetings and clear communication are essential, as the Principal Microbiologist translates technical findings into actionable recommendations for both scientific and non-scientific colleagues. This collaborative environment not only supports laboratory efficiency but also helps drive innovation and maintain compliance across projects.

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

To thrive as a Principal Microbiologist, you need advanced expertise in microbiology, laboratory research, and data analysis, usually supported by a PhD in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), molecular biology techniques, and regulatory standards such as GMP/GLP is typically required. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication help you manage teams and convey complex findings clearly. These skills ensure accurate scientific results, regulatory compliance, and successful project leadership in research or industrial settings.

What is the difference between Principal Microbiologist vs Microbiologist?

AspectPrincipal MicrobiologistMicrobiologist
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Microbiology or related field, certifications may varyBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, regulatory agenciesLaboratories, research institutions, quality control departments
Industry UsageLeadership roles, overseeing projects, developing protocolsConducting experiments, data analysis, routine testing

The Principal Microbiologist typically holds a senior, leadership position with advanced responsibilities, while the Microbiologist performs core laboratory work. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but the Principal Microbiologist focuses on oversight and strategy, whereas the Microbiologist is more hands-on with daily testing and research.

Are principal microbiologists in high demand?

Principal microbiologists are in high demand due to their expertise in microbiology, quality control, and research within industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food safety. The role often requires advanced degrees and certifications, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as these sectors expand and prioritize microbial safety and innovation.

What states have the most Principal Microbiologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Microbiologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Microbiologist jobs?

For Principal Microbiologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Microbiologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

UNIV - Open Rank - Clinical Microbiologist Director - Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Charleston, SC • On-site

MUSC Health & Medical University of SC
Hospitality Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


MUSC Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 203 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description Summary
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina is seeking an academically oriented Clinical Microbiologist with 2 to 10+ years of experience. Newly certified / eligible candidates will also be considered. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty
Cost Center
CC001006 COM PATH Laboratory Medicine CC
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Pay Grade
University-00
Pay Range
0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
Clinical Microbiologist Director
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
This faculty member will participate in a busy, full-service laboratory serving the MUSC hospital and additional affiliated hospitals in the state. The faculty member should be proficient in the interpretation of results for those techniques employed in the clinical work-up of cases with known or suspected infectious diseases including molecular and classical methods. The successful candidate will have knowledge and experience in new test development, validation, and implementation, and will offer clinical guidance and scientific advice to other health professionals on the selection, performance and interpretation of clinically relevant investigations to facilitate the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and understanding of health and disease. In addition, this individual will be directly engaged with the laboratory and quality / safety teams to assure quality services are provided in all aspects of clinical microbiology including analytical methods and instrumentation/automation, quality control, quality assurance, quality improvement measures, and adherence to governmental and regulatory (CLIA, CAP, TJC, HIPAA) guidelines and standard laboratory practices. Fostering collaborative relationships with clinicians and researchers and serving as a resource to technologists at the bench will be expected. This individual will instruct medical students, participate in the training of pathology residents and fellows, infectious disease fellows, and will actively participate in the academic mission of the Pathology Department. The relative percent effort for research, teaching, administrative duties, and patient care responsibilities will be tailored to the successful applicant's experience and career goals. Close collaboration with the Molecular Pathology teams including their trainees is expected.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in microbiological or clinical laboratory sciences with board certification/eligibility from the American Board of Medical Microbiology; or M.D. or D.O. with board certification/eligibility from the American Board of Pathology in Clinical Pathology (or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology) with subspecialty board certification/eligibility in Medical Microbiology. Unrestricted South Carolina medical license or eligible for South Carolina medical licensure for physician candidates.
Environment
MUSC Medical Center is a tertiary and quaternary academic medical center located on peninsular Charleston, SC and consisting of MUSC University Hospital Authority; Ashley River Tower, a cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and cancer specialty hospital; the Institute of Psychiatry; the Storm Eye Institute; and Children's Hospital / Women's Pavilion located in Charleston SC. The Medical Center is supported by respected research-based medical and nursing schools, which deliver both routine inpatient care and highly specialized medical treatment and surgical procedures. Home to the regions only Level I trauma center, the state's most comprehensive neonatal intensive care unit, the Transplant Center, and the state's only NCI-designated Cancer Center, MUSC serves as the principal referral center for physicians and patients of the region. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and 850 residents and has nearly 25,000 care team members inclusive of the 14 hospital ~2500 bed system, including approximately 1,500 faculty members.
Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing experience and current and future interests, and the names and addresses of three individuals who could provide letters of recommendation to: Ms. Michelle Barton, bartonm@musc.edu
Additional Job Description
Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

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About MUSC Health

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MUSC is located in Charleston, SC, frequently named one of the best places in America to live. If charming, historic, vibrant, cultural, and coastal are adjectives that you find appealing, it's all here. In Charleston, you might find yourself dining at a world class restaurant tonight and relaxing on a boat as you explore our many waterways tomorrow. You might stroll along cobblestone streets, amidst centuries old homes by day and attend a jazz concert by night. Charleston is a place where you can live your life to its fullest.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charleston, SC, US

Year founded

1824