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Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs in Minnesota

Nucleus RadioPharma

Senior Microbiologist

Rochester, MN · 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 ...

Actalent

Microbiologist

Minneapolis, MN

Participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance microbiology and quality control processes, workflows, and documentation practices. * Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ...

Actalent

Microbiologist

Minneapolis, MN

Participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance microbiology and quality control processes, workflows, and documentation practices. * Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ...

Vaxxinova US

Quality Control Technician

Worthington, MN · On-site

$23/hr

Quality Control Technician Vaxxinova US is seeking an individual to join our team as a Quality ... Ability to work in a microbiology laboratory and comprehend microbiology techniques and language

Medivators Inc.

QC Laboratory Specialist

Plymouth, MN

$22 - $24/hr

This position is responsible for performing microbiological quality testing and inspections in accordance with ISO standards, FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR), and STERIS policies and procedures.

New

Steris Corporation

QC Laboratory Specialist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

This position is responsible for performing microbiological quality testing and inspections in accordance with ISO standards, FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR), and STERIS policies and procedures.

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Quality Control Microbiologist information

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How much do quality control microbiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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.

How much do quality control microbiologists make in the US?

The average salary for a quality control microbiologist in the US is around $60,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Many roles require knowledge of microbiological techniques and laboratory equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quality Control Microbiologist, and why are they important?

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 role of a microbiologist in quality control?

A microbiologist in quality control is responsible for testing and analyzing products, raw materials, and environments to detect microbial contamination. They use laboratory techniques and equipment to ensure products meet safety and quality standards, often working with regulatory guidelines and maintaining detailed documentation.

What is the highest paid microbiologist?

The highest paid microbiologists are often those working in executive or specialized roles, such as microbiology directors or senior research scientists in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, with salaries exceeding $120,000 annually. Experience, advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries can significantly increase earning potential.

What are Quality Control Microbiologists?

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 does a QC microbiologist do?

A QC microbiologist tests and monitors products, raw materials, and environments for microbial contamination to ensure quality and safety standards are met. They perform laboratory analyses using techniques such as culturing, microscopy, and molecular methods, often working with specialized equipment and adhering to regulatory guidelines. Certification and attention to detail are important in this role.

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.

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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:
Quality Control Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Control Microbiologist job openings in Minnesota as of July 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

QC Microbiologist Group Lead - 2nd Shift

Lifecore Biomedical Inc

Chaska, MN • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 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.

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