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Research Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microbiologist III POSITION NUMBER: 2510-Microbio-III POSITION LOCATION: Atlanta, GA, USA ... Participate in laboratory research that will result in the development and application of advanced ...

Microbiologist IV POSITION NUMBER: 2509-Micro-IV POSITION LOCATION: Atlanta, GA, USA ANTICIPATED ... Participate in laboratory research that will result in the development and application of advanced ...

Microbiologist III POSITION NUMBER: 2510-Microbio-III POSITION LOCATION: Atlanta, GA, USA ... Participate in laboratory research that will result in the development and application of advanced ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

Providing Research and Solutions on a Global Level Passionate about Microbiology and seeking ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? The U.S. Army offers exciting opportunities to apply ...

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Research Microbiologist information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do research microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research 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 does a research microbiologist do?

A Research Microbiologist studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae to understand their structure, function, and role in various environments. Their work often involves conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and developing new techniques or products, such as antibiotics or vaccines. Research Microbiologists work in laboratories in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. They also document their findings and may collaborate with other scientists or present their research at conferences.

What are some common challenges faced by research microbiologists when conducting laboratory experiments?

Research microbiologists often encounter challenges such as contamination of samples, maintaining sterile conditions, and ensuring experimental reproducibility. Working with microorganisms requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict safety protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected results and adapting experimental methods to changing project goals can be demanding, but these challenges also foster problem-solving skills and innovation within research teams.

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

To thrive as a Research Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as PCR, microscopy, spectrophotometry, and bioinformatics software, along with relevant certifications like biosafety training, is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with research teams. These competencies are essential for producing reliable research findings and advancing scientific knowledge in microbiology.

What is the difference between Research Microbiologist vs Microbiologist?

AspectResearch MicrobiologistMicrobiologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology; certification optional
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic institutionsHospitals, public health labs, industrial settings
Employer & IndustryUniversities, government research agencies, biotech companiesHealthcare, food industry, environmental agencies

Research Microbiologists focus on conducting experiments, developing new knowledge, and advancing scientific understanding of microorganisms. Microbiologists often perform diagnostic testing, quality control, and routine analysis. While both roles require microbiology expertise, Research Microbiologists are more involved in experimental research, whereas Microbiologists may work in applied settings like diagnostics or quality assurance.

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What states have the most Research Microbiologist jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Research Microbiologist jobs?

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Infographic showing various Research Microbiologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Research Microbiologist

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$133K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement HHS-CDC-MP-26-13015383 under merit promotion procedures. Please review this announcement to see if you are eligible for consideration under merit promotion procedures.Qualifications:WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Basic Qualifications:

A. Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Graduate Education: Microbiology, or specific area of study such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, algology, protozoology, parasitology, immunology, serology, microbial genetics, or soil microbiology; or specific applied fields of microbiology such as clinical and public health microbiology, food tech-nology, production processes, industrial fermentation, pollution, etc. Graduate study in related fields such as experimental pathology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, biochemistry, animal or plant physiology, genetics, plant pathology, and insect disease control, may also be pertinent, provided it has direct application to microbiological work.
Alternate requirement: For GS-14 clinical and public health microbiology positions, certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology/American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology, or election to Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology fully meets the experience requirement for such positions.
AND


Minimum Qualifications: You must have one year of specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following:
  • Providing oversight for molecular and growth-based laboratory testing of bacterial pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
  • Ensuring compliance with all regulations, such as CLIA, and compliance with other quality and safety regulations and requirements.
  • Drafting, reviewing and approving standard operating procedures, associated documents, and reporting formats under a quality management system.
  • Overseeing development, modification, and validation of assays for clinical testing, when needed.
  • Monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.

Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.
OPM Qualification General Policies WebsiteEducation:Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov.
Employment Type: OTHER