Job Title: Laboratory Microbiologist I
Reports To: Laboratory Manager or Supervisor
Date: July 6, 2026
Job Summary:
Prepare samples for microbiology assays and conduct qualitative and quantitative microbial sample analysis while following standard operating procedures and good documentation practices.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
·Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media; controlling moisture, aeration, temperature and nutrition
· Study growth, structure, development and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms
·Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using testing instruments to identify and classify microorganisms
· Demonstrate competency in various microbiological assays performed in the laboratory.
· Prepare test solutions, reagents, and standards for microbiology analyses.
· Perform cleaning of micro testing surfaces and maintain them through the use of proper aseptic technique
· Perform entry and review of data entered into the Laboratory Information Management System.
· Conduct and document quality control tests.
· Perform cleaning of reusable labwares and tools
· Perform the accessioning of samples using analytical balances and various implements
· Evaluate samples for presence of foreign material and take sample photographs
· Establish and maintain productive and positive working relationships with people inside and outside the laboratory including local staff, corporate staff, customers, auditors, and regulatory staff
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Additional Responsibilities:
· Follow all standard operating procedures and good documentation practices
· As needed, demonstrate competency in chemistry assays performed in the laboratory
· Perform other duties as may be assigned
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
· Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or related science with 2-5 years of laboratory experience required
· Proficiency with selective plating, aseptic techniques, gram staining, light microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques preferred
· GMP/FDA/ISO 17025 experience preferred
· Cannabis experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
· Knowledge of elementary principles of microbiology
· Knowledge of basic clinical laboratory skills
· Ability to operate laboratory equipment
· Ability to use computers and computer software programs and systems and standard office equipment such as phones, photocopiers and digital cameras
· Good written and verbal communication skills to convey and receive information effectively (face-to-face, telephone and electronic)
· Good analytical and judgment skills
· Detail-oriented
· Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding test results
· Excellent organizational skills to work independently, prioritize, handle multiple tasks, manage time
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
None
Safety Sensitive Position:
Equipment or vehicles used and activities performed by this position that could cause serious injury or death to the operator, other employees and/or other individuals if not used properly or safely:
· Working with testing equipment with hot surfaces
· Handling chemicals including acids and solvents used in the testing process
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, walking/moving around and standing, talking and hearing and using hands to handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls
· Occasional periods of stooping/bending
· Lifting up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally
· Close vision and ability to focus on computer screens and documents; depth perception; color vision
Mental Requirements:
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· The ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, and maintain focus.
· Complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
· The ability to communicate effectively with internal and external members of the operation.
· The ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing work-related duties the employee occasionally works with hazardous, toxic or caustic chemicals such as acids and solvents, works around fumes or airborne particles from laboratory chemicals used/fume hoods works with or near moving mechanical parts from laboratory equipment and works with equipment that vibrates. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Stressful Conditions in the Work Environment Affecting This Position:
Challenging work demands including heavy workload/work quantity or quality demands, time demands, conflicting/multiple deadlines or tasks and interpreting data
Work Schedule:
Sunday-Wednesday 7-5:30 p.m.
· 40-hour minimum workweek
· May require on-call duty and the ability to work outside of scheduled work hours including weekends and holidays when the need arise
· Travel of 5-10% may be required.
This job description is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the successful performance of this position. It is not to be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements of this position, nor is it intended to limit the authority of any manager to assign and direct the activities of employees under his or her direction.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- laboratory: 3 years (Required)
- Microbiology: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Morton, IL 61550 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Morton, IL 61550: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
