We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Microbiologist with a strong background in molecular biology to join our team. The ideal candidate will support lab for its daily operations and conduct research, diagnostic, or product development initiatives by applying molecular techniques to investigate microbial systems, detect pathogens, and develop assays.
About Apotheca:
Apotheca Inc. is a homeopathic, herbal and nutritional supplement manufacturer. We produce formulations on a contract basis for distribution and marketing companies that share our commitment to products that truly improve people’s lives.
Apotheca Inc. was founded in 1987 in Woodbine IA and offers custom manufacturing of natural healthcare products. Apotheca is known for our expertise in homeopathic, nutritional supplement and botanical manufacturing that has earned Apotheca a reputation for producing quality products. Our customers know that Apotheca will consistently produce a unique quality product to meet their expectations and deliver it as promised. Recently Apotheca expanded its production capability to South East region state of Georgia at Gainesville where we continue producing quality all natural products under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation.
FALSA: Exempt position
We offer an excellent benefits package for eligible employees such as;
- Ability to enroll in Medical and Dental insurance after 30 days of employment
- Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
- Employee discount Program
- Paid Holidays including the Employee’s birthday
- Ability to earn up to three (3) weeks Paid Time Off in first year (increase with tenure)
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Wellness Incentives
- And more….
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are to:
- Support daily lab operation with routine microbiological tests. Responsible for the accurate and valid analytical testing of raw ingredients, intermediates and finished goods using laboratory procedures such as AOAC, USP, FDA-BAM.
- Perform Verification and/or Validation of Analytical testing methods (AOAC, FDA-BAM, USP, HPUS), ensuring the method(s) used are suitable for their intended purpose. Responsibilities include developing protocol(s), performing or monitoring the performance of the study(s), collecting and/or reviewing test data, and authoring the Final Report(s).
- Isolate, culture, and identify microorganisms from various samples using both traditional and molecular methods.
- Maintain live organism cultures for media QC and growth promotion, growth inhibition tests.
- Design, conduct, and analyze experiments involving DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, electrophoresis, cloning, and sequencing.
- Develop and optimize molecular assays for microbial detection, identification, and quantification.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental protocols, results, and data analysis.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including bioinformatics, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.
- Coordinates with other laboratories both internally and externally as needed to assure analytical testing needs are being met and any out-of-specification results are resolved in a timely manner.
- Prepare technical reports, scientific presentations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Stay current with advancements in microbiology and molecular biology through literature review and professional development.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, quality standards (e.g., GLP, GMP), and relevant regulations.
Management Responsibilities
This position does not have direct management responsibility.
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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Experience:
- - Minimum [2–5+] years of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in microbiology with a molecular biology emphasis.
- - Familiarity with microbial genomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and metagenomics is a plus.
Required Skills
- Proficient in molecular biology techniques including PCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis, and cloning.
- Strong microbiological techniques including aseptic handling, culture, and microscopy.
- Data analysis skills, including basic bioinformatics tools and software (e.g., BLAST, Geneious, or similar).
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience working in clinical, environmental, pharmaceutical, or food safety laboratories.
- Knowledge of AOAC, FDA-BAM, USP, HPUS compendial methodologies.
- Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity standards.
- Experience with automation or high-throughput molecular methods.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, and kneel. The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include near vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The main functions of this position are performed in an office and laboratory environment. Individuals may require working in the production areas where one is exposed to periodic high heat from grills and kilns, airborne particles from grinding operations, and odors from herbs and essential oils. The noise level in the production area is usually medium.
Schedule:
Monday to Friday 8:00Am to 5:00PM. Working on occasional weekends and some pre/after business hours may be needed.
Summary:
The Microbiologist will perform all duties as listed but will not be limited to these duties. Whenever assistance is needed and requested in other areas of the company for which this individual is qualified, he/she will willingly cooperate. The company mandates that all employees conduct themselves in a professional manner conducive to a team approach environment. Actions or mannerisms that deviate from this approach will not be tolerated.
Apotheca is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity. That is why we are committed to building a winning culture based on inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status or any other legally protected factor.
JOIN A WINNING TEAM….APPLY TODAY!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Education:
Experience:
- Microbiology: 5 years (Required)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
