The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company ... Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards ...
3 Simplot Microbiologist Jobs Hiring Near You
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company ... Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards ...
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company ... Degree in food science (or related discipline), chemistry, biology, or microbiology preferred. Job ...
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company ... Degree in food science (or related discipline), chemistry, biology, or microbiology preferred. Job ...
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company ... Degree in food science (or related discipline), chemistry, biology, or microbiology preferred. Job ...
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company ... Degree in food science (or related discipline), chemistry, biology, or microbiology preferred. Job ...
Simplot Jobs Information
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microbiologist, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Microbiologist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), PCR machines, and aseptic technique, as well as certifications like ASCP, are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills distinguish outstanding microbiologists. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and effectively sharing findings with scientific and regulatory audiences.
What are some common challenges faced by microbiologists when working in a laboratory setting?
Microbiologists often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterile environments to prevent contamination, accurately interpreting complex data, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Balancing multiple experiments and meeting strict deadlines can also be demanding, especially when working with fast-growing microorganisms. Collaboration with colleagues in related fields, such as biochemists and lab technicians, is essential to overcome these challenges and ensure reliable research outcomes.
What does a microbiologist do?
A microbiologist studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae to understand their structure, function, and impact on humans, animals, plants, and the environment. They often work in laboratories conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and developing new methods to detect or control harmful microbes. Microbiologists play a crucial role in fields like medicine, agriculture, food safety, and environmental science. Their work can lead to new treatments for diseases, improved food production, and better ways to protect public health.
What is the difference between Microbiologist vs Medical Laboratory Technician?
| Aspect | Microbiologist | Medical Laboratory Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or higher in microbiology or related field; often a master's or Ph.D. | Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology or related field |
| Work Environment | Research labs, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies | Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Research institutions, biotech firms, healthcare | Healthcare facilities, diagnostic labs |
| Common Search & Comparison | Microbiologist vs Medical Laboratory Technician |
Microbiologists typically hold higher degrees and focus on research, analysis, and understanding microorganisms, often working in research labs or academia. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform diagnostic testing in clinical settings, supporting patient care. Both roles are essential in healthcare but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.
What is it like to work at Simplot?
Simplot is a company that values innovation, teamwork, and community involvement, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
The company's structure is organized into various business units, including potato products, foodservice, and agriculture, allowing employees to work on diverse projects and contribute to the company's mission of providing high-quality food products to consumers worldwide.
Working at Simplot may appeal to candidates who are passionate about the food industry, enjoy working in a fast-paced and innovative environment, and are motivated by the company's commitment to sustainability and community development.
The company's structure is organized into various business units, including potato products, foodservice, and agriculture, allowing employees to work on diverse projects and contribute to the company's mission of providing high-quality food products to consumers worldwide.
Working at Simplot may appeal to candidates who are passionate about the food industry, enjoy working in a fast-paced and innovative environment, and are motivated by the company's commitment to sustainability and community development.
Do workers at J.R. Simplot get paid breaks?
Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
92% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
92% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Does J.R. Simplot pay people when they’re sick?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid when they’re sick.
48% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
48% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
At J.R. Simplot, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?
Sick days and vacation days are used from the same paid time off.
80% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.
80% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.
Is the health insurance from J.R. Simplot affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 24 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and April 2026.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 24 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and April 2026.
Do people get paid time off at J.R. Simplot?
Most people get paid time off work.
89% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
89% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and August 2025.
- 65% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 25% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 10% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and August 2025.
Do workers at J.R. Simplot worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
82% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
82% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
Do J.R. Simplot workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
38% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
38% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
How easy is it for J.R. Simplot workers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
48% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and August 2025.
48% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and August 2025.
How easy is it to get time off at J.R. Simplot?
Most people find it easy to get time off.
85% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
85% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
Do J.R. Simplot managers change schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
92% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
92% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
Do workers at J.R. Simplot do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
89% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
89% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.
How easy is it to take sick days at J.R. Simplot?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
74% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
74% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Is working at J.R. Simplot good if you’re a parent or caregiver?
Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
67% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
67% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at J.R. Simplot feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
73% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
73% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at J.R. Simplot get to take their breaks without interruption?
Only some people get breaks without interruption.
54% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
54% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Is it stressful to work at J.R. Simplot?
Most people feel stressed out here.
79% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
79% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at J.R. Simplot enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
78% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
78% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at J.R. Simplot recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
46% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
46% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at J.R. Simplot?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
47% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
47% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people get support to advance at J.R. Simplot?
Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 52% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
In the last year, 52% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people think J.R. Simplot’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
86% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
86% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how J.R. Simplot is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
53% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
53% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Microbiologist jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Simplot?
What are the most popular categories at Simplot?
J.R. Simplot rating
7.1
Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
178th of 378 rated food and drinks producers
Job description
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
Summary
This role maintains operations within the Microbiology laboratory contributing to Simplot's Food Safety program. This includes microbial analyses of food products, shelf-life research projects, laboratory expenses, analytical instrument maintenance, and inventory control of supplies.
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of ISO 17025 accreditation. Participates in proficiency test programs by accredited organizations. Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards, prepares audit reports, makes recommendations for improvement of factory food quality systems, and troubleshoots production processes when required. Provides daily Microbiological testing support to Factory Operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with daily laboratory operations by conducting microbiological testing on food products and environmental samples in support of Simplot factories and general laboratory duties (preparing media, cleaning, supply inventory, and processing of biohazardous waste) following all good laboratory practices.
- Obtains process/water/product/swab samples from various plant production areas.
- Conduct Allergen testing to support Gluten, Soy, and milk-free claims for applicable Simplot factories.
- Conduct shelf-life studies for new or existing food products. Generates a final report of the study that details methods, procedures, results, and conclusions.
- ISO 17025 requirements: Maintains standard requirements for ISO 17025 accreditation by working within the requirements of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- Participates in accredited laboratory proficiency test programs and collaborative studies. Maintains satisfactory z-scores in quarterly proficiency testing.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment. Assists with coordinating calibration services with third-party companies as needed.
- Completes data entry into the laboratory quality assurance systems (MLA and MMS).
- Assist with creation/updates in-house microbiology SOPs, when applicable.
- Responds to internal customer’s inquiries regarding micro test sampling schedule, test results, corrective actions, and product release issues.
- Required to work in a Biosafety Level II (agents that pose moderate hazards to personnel and the environment.)
- Available to travel to Simplot plants or other locations for work assignments of short duration.
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs., climb steep stairs, work in hot/cold environments.
- Be able to work in a manufacturing environment 1-4 hrs. a day.
Typical Education
- Bachelor of Science Degree required (Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Safety preferred).
- One year of laboratory experience preferred.
Relevant Experience
- Highly skilled in scientific procedures/lab safety and detail oriented.
- Knowledge of food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, and/or food processing.
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) experience and/or knowledge.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of laboratory audit standards and QA/QC programs.
- Knowledge of technical writing, specifically scientific study reports and laboratory SOP’s.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Other Information
- This position does not offer relocation assistance.
- Rotating weekend work is required (approximately one weekend every four weeks).
- Rotating holiday coverage required, up to two holidays per year.
Job Requisition ID: 26130
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Tech Center R&D - Caldwell
Country: United States
**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. **
What J.R. Simplot employees say
Pay
Benefits
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Get the full story on Breakroom
About Simplot
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.
Industry
Agriculture
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Boise, ID, US