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Senior Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QC Microbiologist 1

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $30/hr

... Senior Microbiologist. 2. Perform preparation of reagents, materials, and equipment used in microbiological testing in sterile environments, such as HEPA hoods. 3. Count colony forming units (CFU) on ...

QC Microbiologist 1

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $30/hr

... Senior Microbiologist. 2. Perform preparation of reagents, materials, and equipment used in microbiological testing in sterile environments, such as HEPA hoods. 3. Count colony forming units (CFU) on ...

Microbiologist

Columbus, IN · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Work collaboratively with senior scientists and team members * Adhere to safety guidelines and ... Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related field * 1-2 years of lab experience ...

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Senior Microbiologist information

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$54K

$87.2K

$128.5K

How much do senior microbiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior microbiologist in the United States is $87,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $96,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Senior Microbiologists?

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.
More about Senior Microbiologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Microbiologist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Microbiologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiologist jobs? The most popular types of Microbiologist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Microbiologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Microbiologist jobs include:
Sr Microbiologist-Steriliz

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description


Nice to Have:
1. Experience with ethylene oxide, steam, liquid chemical, and radiation sterilization methods 2. Experience with no sterile package design or phrama package design
HM''s Top Needs:
1. Ethylene oxide sterilization expertise
2. Controlled Environment validation/recertification/routine monitoring experience
3. SME in medical device and cleanroom microbiological test methods including: Bioburden, sterility testing, B/F testing, EO residual analysis, viable surface sampling, viable air sampling
Education Required: Bachelor''s degree in Microbiology or a related science degree
Years'' Experience Required: 4+
Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned. Develops, validates, and implements controlled environment methods. Applies existing techniques and procedures with recommendations and implementation of modification for improved efficiency, or devises and develops new analytical methods and techniques.
Typically an individual contributor with responsibility in a professional discipline or specialty. Delivers and/or manages projects assigned and works with other stakeholders to achieve desired results. May act as a mentor to colleagues or may direct the work of other lower level professionals. The majority of time is spent delivering and overseeing the projects from design to implementation while and adhering to policies, using specialized knowledge and skills normally acquired through advanced education (typically University).
DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS Autonomy: Seasoned individual contributor. Works independently under limited supervision to determine and develop approach to solutions. Coaches and reviews the work of lower level specialists; may manage projects / processes. Organizational Impact: May be responsible for entire projects or processes within job area. Contributes to the completion of work group objectives, through building relationships and consensus to reach agreements on assignments. Innovation and Complexity: Problems and issues faced are difficult, and may require understanding of multiple issues, job areas or specialties . Makes improvements of processes, systems or products to enhance performance of the job area. Analysis provided is indepth in nature and often provides recommendations on process improvements. Communication and Influence: Communicates with senior internal and external customers and vendors. Exchange information of facts, statuses, ideas and issues to achieve objective, and influence decisionmaking. Leadership and Talent Management: May provide guidance, coaching and training to other employees within job area. May manage projects, requiring delegation of work and review of others'' work product . Required Knowledge and Experience: Requires advanced knowledge of job area combining breadth and depth, typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience. May have practical knowledge of project management. Requires a University Degree and minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, or advanced degree with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.