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Senior Microbiologist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Siegfried

Microbiologist III - 2nd Shift

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced senior microbiologist who is naturally curious, enjoys solving complex scientific challenges, and takes pride in producing high-quality work. Whether you're ...

Gilead

Senior Manager, Quality Control

La Verne, CA

As the Senior Manager, Quality Control at Gilead you will manage the Quality Control Chemistry or Microbiology laboratory operation, ensuring laboratory processes provide high-quality analytical ...

Ventura Foods

Sr. Sanitation Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

The Sr. Sanitation Manager leads the Ventura Foods sanitation program, talent, and processes within ... Knowledge in HACCP, Microbiology, Chemical Safety, Pest Control, and Quality Systems

Ventura Foods

Sr. Sanitation Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

The Sr. Sanitation Manager leads the Ventura Foods sanitation program, talent, and processes within ... Knowledge in HACCP, Microbiology, Chemical Safety, Pest Control, and Quality Systems

Ventura Foods

Sr. Sanitation Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

The Sr. Sanitation Manager leads the Ventura Foods sanitation program, talent, and processes within ... Knowledge in HACCP, Microbiology, Chemical Safety, Pest Control, and Quality Systems

Ventura Foods

Sr. Sanitation Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

The Sr. Sanitation Manager leads the Ventura Foods sanitation program, talent, and processes within ... Knowledge in HACCP, Microbiology, Chemical Safety, Pest Control, and Quality Systems

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All JobsMicrobiologist JobsSenior Microbiologist JobsSenior Microbiologist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Senior Microbiologist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$56.3K

$90.9K

$134.1K

How much do senior microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior microbiologist in Riverside, CA is $90,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior microbiologist?

Senior Microbiologists are experienced scientists who study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They typically lead laboratory teams, design and oversee experiments, analyze data, and ensure that research adheres to quality and safety standards. In addition to conducting research, they may also develop new testing methods, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with other departments or external organizations. Senior Microbiologists often work in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and environmental science.

What are some common challenges senior microbiologists face when leading laboratory teams?

Senior Microbiologists often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on research, ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards, and troubleshooting unexpected results or equipment malfunctions. Leading a team also involves mentoring junior staff, fostering collaboration, and managing project timelines to meet organizational goals. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a productive and safe laboratory environment.

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

To thrive as a Senior Microbiologist, you need an advanced degree in microbiology or a related field, extensive laboratory experience, and a solid understanding of microbial techniques and analysis. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), advanced microscopy, PCR, and regulatory standards such as ISO or GMP is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and collaborating across departments. These capabilities ensure accurate research outcomes, regulatory compliance, and innovation in complex scientific environments.

What is the difference between Senior Microbiologist vs Microbiologist?

AspectSenior MicrobiologistMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, often with 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, quality control departmentsLaboratories, research institutions, healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, food safety, healthcareHealthcare, research, environmental testing, manufacturing

Both roles involve microbiological testing and analysis, but Senior Microbiologists typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced expertise. Microbiologists are entry to mid-level professionals performing routine testing and research. The senior role often involves supervising projects, mentoring staff, and contributing to strategic decisions, whereas microbiologists focus on executing laboratory tasks and experiments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Microbiologist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Senior Microbiologist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Microbiologist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Microbiologist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Microbiologist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Microbiologist job openings:

Senior Microbiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Microbiologist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 56% Physical, and 44% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,939 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Microbiologist III - 2nd Shift

Siegfried

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

"Expect to grow", personally and professionally: At Siegfried, we offer exciting challenges and ample opportunities to showcase your talents. As a trusted and respected partner to the pharmaceutical industry, we uphold the highest standards in safety, quality and sustainability, while fostering a culture that empowers you to thrive. Join a rapidly expanding global company, where diverse perspectives and experiences come together in a collaborative environment. Here, you'll find a workplace that values both collective success and your individual contributions-offering long-term opportunities to grow and make an impact.

Your Role:

Microbiologist III - 2nd Shift (2 PM - 10:30 PM)
If you've built your microbiology career supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and are looking for an opportunity to continue growing your technical expertise while remaining hands-on in the laboratory, this could be the next step you're looking for.
As a Microbiologist III on our 2nd Shift team, you will play an important role in supporting sterile manufacturing operations within a growing pharmaceutical CDMO while taking on the kind of work that helps experienced microbiologists continue to grow professionally. You will be actively involved in laboratory operations while expanding your role in microbiological investigations, technical writing, method verification activities, and the programs that help ensure product quality, contamination control, and patient safety.
We are looking for an experienced senior microbiologist who is naturally curious, enjoys solving complex scientific challenges, and takes pride in producing high-quality work. Whether you're supporting antimicrobial effectiveness testing, investigating unexpected results, authoring technical reports, or helping drive sound scientific decisions, you'll have opportunities to apply your expertise in meaningful ways while building the skills and experience that prepare you for future lead-level responsibilities.
This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys both the science and the opportunity to share knowledge, mentor others, and serve as a trusted technical resource. Every day, your work helps support our clients, our manufacturing operations, and the patients who rely on the treatments we produce.

Your Profile:

Why You'll Love This Role

Continue growing your expertise in pharmaceutical microbiology while remaining hands-on in the laboratory

Gain valuable leadership experience while staying connected to the science

Be the microbiologist colleagues turn to for technical expertise and scientific guidance

Mentor developing microbiologists and help strengthen the team's technical capabilities

Join a growing pharmaceutical CDMO where your work directly impacts product quality, client success, and patient safety

What You'll Do

As one of the laboratory's most experienced microbiologists, you will:

  • Perform microbiological testing of environmental monitoring samples, utilities, raw materials, in-process samples, and finished drug products.
  • Provide direct microbiology support for sterile and aseptic manufacturing operations.
  • Perform specialized testing, including Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing (AET).
  • Execute microbiological method validation and qualification studies, including protocol execution, data analysis, and report generation.
  • Lead OOT, OOS, deviation, and contamination control investigations.
  • Evaluate microbiological and environmental monitoring data to identify trends and support sound scientific decision-making.
  • Author and review technical protocols, reports, investigations, and other scientific documentation.
  • Support new product introductions, process improvements, technology transfers, and regulatory inspections.
  • Mentor fellow microbiologists and help strengthen technical capabilities across the team.
Who Thrives in This Role

You're naturally curious, enjoy solving complex scientific challenges, and take pride in producing high-quality work. Colleagues value your expertise and look to you as a trusted resource when microbiological questions arise.

You enjoy both the science and the opportunity to share knowledge, support others, and contribute to manufacturing operations that help deliver treatments patients depend on.

What You'll BringRequired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or a closely related scientific discipline (advanced degree preferred).
  • 8-10+ years of pharmaceutical microbiology experience supporting sterile manufacturing operations.
  • Experience executing microbiological method validation and qualification studies.
  • Experience providing direct microbiology support to aseptic manufacturing operations.
  • Experience supporting Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing (AET).
  • Experience leading OOT, OOS, deviation, and microbiology investigations.
  • Strong knowledge of aseptic processing, contamination control, environmental monitoring, and cGMP requirements.
  • Strong technical writing skills with experience authoring protocols, reports, investigations, and scientific documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a pharmaceutical CDMO environment.
  • Experience supporting regulatory inspections and customer audits.
  • Familiarity with USP microbiology requirements.
  • Experience with LIMS and other electronic laboratory systems.
  • Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other microbiologists.

2nd Shift: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Target Pay Range: $44-$48/hour + 10% Shift Differential

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.

Your Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • Flexible Spending & HSA Options

  • Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability

  • Pet Insurance

  • 401K


Founded in 1873 in Zofingen, Switzerland, Siegfried has grown into a global network of 16 sites across three continents. With a team of more than 4,200 highly skilled professionals, we take the innovations of our pharmaceutical customers to industrial scale and manufacture safe drugs for patients worldwide. As a fully integrated CDMO, Siegfried is one of the few organizations today that can carry out the development and manufacturing of APIs and finished dosage forms under one roof. This unique combination of know-how and experience makes us the most trusted partner in the pharmaceutical industry.

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