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Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs in Minnesota

... quality initiatives * Strong understanding of microbiology principles related to facility environmental control, environmental monitoring, cleaning, and sterilization - gamma irradiation.

Director Quality Control

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The Director, Quality Control provides strategic and operational leadership for the Quality Control organization supporting analytical testing, microbiology, sterility assurance, environmental ...

Job Title: QC Lead - Day Shift The QC Lead oversees laboratory and microbiological analysis to ... Perform microbiological analysis of products, water, and the production environment to verify ...

Senior Microbiologist

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Microbiologist provides technical leadership and independently executes microbiological quality control activities that support the manufacture of sterile ...

Quality Control Lead

Cold Spring, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $25.50/hr

Quality Control Lead Status: Full Time Day Shift Hours: 12 hour shift - 6a-6p Schedule: 2-2-3 ... Performs microbiological analysis of products, water and environment. * Performs taste tests to ...

The Quality Control Technician is responsible for assisting and supporting the overall quality ... Ability to work in a microbiology and virology laboratory and comprehend microbiology and virology ...

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Quality Control Microbiologist information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$29

$50

How much do quality control microbiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control microbiologist in Minnesota is $29.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quality control microbiologist?

Quality Control Microbiologists are professionals who monitor and test products, materials, or environments in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics to ensure they are free from harmful microorganisms. They perform laboratory tests, analyze samples, and document results to verify compliance with safety and quality standards. Their work is critical in preventing contamination and ensuring products are safe for consumers. They also play a key role in troubleshooting issues and recommending corrective actions to improve manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality control microbiologist?

To thrive as a Quality Control Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and a relevant science degree such as microbiology, biology, or biochemistry. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), aseptic techniques, and industry regulations like GMP and ISO standards is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety standards, and effective collaboration in maintaining product quality.

What are some common challenges faced by quality control microbiologists, and how can they be addressed?

Quality Control Microbiologists often encounter challenges such as meeting tight testing deadlines while ensuring accuracy, handling unexpected contamination events, and staying up-to-date with rapidly changing regulatory standards. These challenges can be managed by developing strong organizational skills, participating in ongoing training, and maintaining open communication with production and quality assurance teams. Additionally, implementing robust standard operating procedures and regular equipment calibrations helps minimize errors and ensures reliable results.

What is the difference between Quality Control Microbiologist vs Quality Assurance Specialist?

AspectQuality Control MicrobiologistQuality Assurance Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in microbiology, biology, or related field; certifications like ASQ are a plusSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in related fields and certifications in quality management
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on testing and analyzing samples for microbial contaminationOffice and production environments overseeing quality systems and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries for microbial testingUsed across manufacturing sectors to develop and maintain quality standards

While both roles focus on quality, the Quality Control Microbiologist primarily conducts microbial testing in labs, whereas the Quality Assurance Specialist oversees overall quality systems and compliance. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Minnesota?

For Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Quality Control Microbiologist jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Quality Control Microbiologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in MN?

For Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Quality Control Microbiologist job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,445 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

QC Microbiologist Group Lead - 2nd Shift

Lifecore Biomedical Inc

Chaska, MN โ€ข On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

It's not what we make. It's what we make possible. And the possibilities at Lifecore are endless!

This full-time position offers incredible benefits, 4-day work week, and a company culture focused on development and growth which include promotion opportunities.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced QC Microbiologist – Group Lead to support QC laboratory operations and provide technical leadership within our microbiology team. This role is responsible for coordinating testing activities, reviewing data and documentation, supporting laboratory investigations, and ensuring testing schedules are met to support internal customer needs.

In this role, you’ll have responsibility to:

  • Serve as a microbiology technical resource for laboratory personnel.
  • Lead and mentor a designated group of QC staff by establishing expectations, providing guidance, strengthening technical proficiency, and fostering professional growth.
  • Coordinate and support QC laboratory activities, including raw material, in-process, stability, and product release testing and environmental monitoring activities.
  • Identify, support and conduct lab investigations as well as implementation of corrective actions.
  • Identify and report OOT and OOS results as testing is in progress.
  • Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, methods, and testing issues to ensure timely resolution.
  • Assist in scheduling, performing, and completion/review of testing activities, as required.
  • Perform testing as needed and support completion of laboratory workload to maintain operational efficiency.

This position could be a great fit if you have strong leadership skills along with the following:

  • Bachelor's degree in microbiology or related life science.
  • 5+ years’ experience in lab applications.
  • GMP laboratory experience with at least 1 year of experience in a leadership role.
  • Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: sterility, bioburden, endotoxin, or environmental monitoring.
  • Cleanroom experience strongly preferred.
  • Proven ability to effectively evaluate, organize, prioritize and direct workflow.

Schedule: 2nd shift, Monday – Thursday, 1:00pm – 11:30pm

Starting annual salary: $80,000 - $90,000 + $100/per pay period 2nd shift premium

Lifecore offers a highly competitive total rewards package, including:

  • Opportunities to learn and grow with a well-respected company
  • Competitive compensation with annual reviews and a company-wide incentive bonus
  • Benefits that start the first of the month after you join Lifecore as a full-time employee:
    • 3 medical insurance plans to fit your needs and budget including an HSA Plan with a generous company contribution.
    • Low-cost dental and vision insurance
    • Short term disability, long term disability and life insurance all 100% company paid
    • 3 weeks PTO in the first year (increases to 4 weeks after just 2 years!)
    • 9 paid company holidays plus 2 personal holidays
    • Paid family leave
    • Tuition reimbursement
    • 401k plan with company matching contribution

Meet Lifecore Biomedical, LLC:

Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: LFCR) is a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes, vials, and cartridges, including complex formulations. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable-grade hyaluronic acid, Lifecore brings more than 40 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories.