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Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs in Washington

Merck Group

QC Analyst 1

Rockville, MD · On-site

$23 - $35/hr

As Quality Control Analyst 1, your activities will support assay development through commercial ... Performs environmental monitoring activities in Microbiology and Cell Culture cleanroom ...

Merck Group

QC Analyst 1

Rockville, MD

$35/hr

As Quality Control Analyst 1, your activities will support assay development through commercial ... Performs environmental monitoring activities in Microbiology and Cell Culture cleanroom ...

WSSC Water

Sr. Laboratory QA/QC Auditor

Laurel, MD

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of chemistry and microbiology as it ... Knowledge and familiarity with quality control requirements and acceptance criteria of ...

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All JobsQuality Control Microbiologist JobsQuality Control Microbiologist Jobs in Washington

Quality Control Microbiologist information

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$14

$34

$58

How much do quality control microbiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control microbiologist in Washington is $34.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.79 and $36.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Washington? For Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Quality Control Microbiologist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Quality Control Microbiologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in WA? For Quality Control Microbiologist jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Quality Control Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Control Microbiologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,055 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Quality Compliance - Associate Director - Microbiology

Amgen SA

Washington, DC • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Quality Compliance Associate Director - Microbiology

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role, you will serve as a Quality Compliance microbiology subject matter expert supporting contamination control, QC microbiology, manufacturing microbiology, inspection readiness, and technical consistency across Amgen Operations. This role partners with Quality, Manufacturing, Process Development, Regulatory Affairs‑CMC, Cellular Sciences, site laboratories, and global technical networks to ensure science‑based, compliant, and practical microbiology decisions.

This is a full‑time remote position.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Serve as a microbiology and contamination control subject matter expert for Quality Compliance, QC laboratories, manufacturing, and site teams.
  • Support the contamination control program, including site engagement, network participation, metrics review, risk identification, and escalation of significant concerns.
  • Contribute to the development, revision, and implementation of global microbiology and contamination control standards, procedures, technical guidance, and quality intelligence documents.
  • Support periodic contamination control reviews, trend evaluations, and state‑of‑control assessments for in‑scope sites, processes, and products.
  • Provide technical input for environmental monitoring, bioburden control, endotoxin, microbial identification, disinfectant efficacy, cleaning and disinfection, gowning, aseptic practices, utilities, facilities, and laboratory controls.
  • Partner with site Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and QC laboratories to promote consistent application of contamination control expectations.
  • Provide technical review and recommendations for microbiology investigations, deviations, CAPAs, risk assessments, change controls, audit observations, and inspection commitments.
  • Support evaluation and implementation of new or improved microbiology methods, technologies, laboratory practices, and contamination control tools.
  • Contribute to Microbiology Center of Excellence activities, technical forums, communities of practice, and network alignment discussions.
  • Support regulatory inspections, internal audits, health authority commitments, and inspection‑readiness activities related to microbiology, contamination control, QC laboratories, and manufacturing controls.
  • Provide technical input to audit responses, regulatory inspection responses, CAPA plans, and effectiveness checks.
  • Review regulatory filings, responses, or technical documents for microbiology‑related content, as assigned.
  • Monitor relevant regulatory, compendial, and industry developments and help translate them into practical expectations for sites and functions.
  • Lead or support cross‑functional projects related to microbiology, contamination control, laboratory practices, inspection readiness, or quality improvement.
What we expect of you

The Quality Compliance Associate Director – Microbiology we seek is an experienced, collaborative microbiology subject matter expert with the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Doctorate degree and 3 years of Quality, Microbiology, Manufacturing, or relevant regulated industry experience OR
  • Master’s degree and 7 years of Quality, Microbiology, Manufacturing, or relevant regulated industry experience OR
  • Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of Quality, Microbiology, Manufacturing, or relevant regulated industry experience
  • Associate’s degree and 12 years of Quality, Microbiology, Manufacturing, or relevant regulated industry experience OR
  • High school diploma / GED and 14 years of Quality, Microbiology, Manufacturing, or relevant regulated industry experience

In addition to meeting at least one of the above requirements, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs, or directing the allocation or resources. Your managerial experience may run concurrently with the required technical experience referenced above.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Life Science, Microbiology, Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Engineering, or related scientific academic background.
  • 8+ years of experience in Quality, QC microbiology, Manufacturing, contamination control, sterility assurance, or a related GMP function within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
  • At least 3 years of experience leading microbiology laboratories, environmental monitoring programs, or contamination control technical workstreams.
  • Strong technical knowledge of microbiology and contamination control practices, including environmental monitoring, bioburden, endotoxin, microbial identification, disinfectant efficacy, cleaning and disinfection, gowning, aseptic practices, utilities, facilities, and laboratory controls.
  • Experience supporting GMP investigations, deviations, CAPAs, change controls, risk assessments, audits, inspection readiness, or regulatory inspection activities.
  • Experience in biologics, sterile manufacturing, aseptic processing, drug substance manufacturing, drug product manufacturing, or QC microbiology laboratory operations.
  • Experience contributing to global or multi‑site standards, procedures, technical guidance, training materials, quality intelligence, or quality system improvements.
  • Ability to interpret and apply GMP, GxP, regulatory, compendial, and industry expectations to microbiology, manufacturing, Quality Control, and contamination control processes.
  • Experience supporting or participating in technical networks, communities of practice, Centers of Excellence, or cross‑site microbiology forums.
  • Experience evaluating or implementing new microbiology technologies, rapid microbiological methods, laboratory automation, data trending tools, or contamination control improvements.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams, influence without direct authority, communicate complex technical information clearly, and manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to work effectively with global and virtual teams across time zones while adapting approaches based on technical complexity, regulatory considerations, and stakeholder needs.
  • Effective English written and verbal communication skills; additional language capability is a plus.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.
What you can expect of us

From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales‑based incentive plan.
  • Stock‑based long‑term incentives.
  • Award‑winning time‑off plans.
  • Flexible work models where possible.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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