Microbiologist 1

Certified Group
Burbank, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to entry-level to mid-level microbiologists working in the food & beverage, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on hands-on lab work and adherence to quality assurance protocols.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 2-3 years of lab experience in microbiological testing or quality assurance
    — “BS degree in microbiology or related field with 2-3 years of lab experience.”
  • Individuals familiar with aseptic techniques and routine lab maintenance
    — “Apply aseptic techniques in daily workload. Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal.”
  • Those comfortable with handling hazardous materials and working in varied environmental conditions
    — “Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.”

Things to consider

  • The role requires physical stamina and ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion
    — “Able to carry up to 50 pounds.”
  • Candidates must be available for a rotating weekend schedule
    — “Must be able to rotate one weekend day.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with bioburden testing and media preparation in your resume and interview responses
    — “Bioburden panel testing, water testing, environmental testing (ie air plates, swabs, conductivity)”
  • Emphasize your ability to document procedures and maintain detailed logs
    — “Maintain appropriate notebooks and computer logs required for the department.”
  • Showcase your adaptability and initiative in improving company processes
    — “Able to adapt to changes to improve company processes.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · LowAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • ensure accurate testing
  • maintain laboratory conditions
  • perform preventive maintenance
Typical background
microbiologylaboratory testingquality assurance

Skills & requirements

Required

MicrobiologyAnalytical TestingAseptic TechniquesQuality ControlLaboratory Management

Preferred

Nutraceutical TestingEnvironmental Testing

Stack & domain

MicrobiologyAseptic TechniquesQuality ControlFood SafetyCosmeticsDietary Supplements

About the role

Original posting from Certified Group via Greenhouse

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.

Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.

EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.

FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Certified Group is committed to delivering expert solutions and quality testing our customers can feel confident in – on time, every time – so the world can trust in what it consumes.  As a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services, Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), FSNS Certification & Audit, Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, and Labstat International Inc. Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries. 

We have embarked on an important journey to unify and strengthen our culture by living these core values: Start with the Customer, Drive to Deliver, Commit to Safety and Quality, and Believe in the Team — including believing in you.

We are currently looking for a Microbiologist to join our team!

JOB SUMMARY

Prepare samples for analytical and microbiological testing of nutraceutical products and supplements ingredients, and environmentals. The role is responsible for the application of approved microbiological techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in microbial challenge testing of new products to determine adequacy of preservation.

Bioburden panel testing, water testing, environmental testing (ie air plates, swabs, conductivity)

Apply aseptic techniques in daily workload.

Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements

Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal

Perform quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.

Maintain laboratory condition, to include equipment, supplies

Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner

Prepare media for microbial quality and preservative adequacy testing.

Document media preparation and media control information in appropriate logbooks.

Maintain appropriate notebooks and computer logs required for the department.

Organize the destruction of product discards and assist with special projects. 

Share information in an open, and timely manner with Supervisor

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BS degree in microbiology or related field with 2-3 years of lab experience.

At minimum, 1 or more years of Quality Assurance or Microbiological testing experience in the cosmetic, nutritional, or pharmaceutical industries

Able to handle multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment.

Able to adapt to changes to improve company processes.

Able to carry up to 50 pounds.

Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.

Must be able to rotate one weekend day.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components

Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens

Noise level varies from quiet to loud

Temperature varies from hot to cold

Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Color vision and depth perception

Benefits:

Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan

Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

Group Medical

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Dental

Paid Holidays and Time Off

Many positions which qualify for the company bonus program

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM start time

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The compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role, based on the selected compensation structure and applicable guidelines. Actual pay within this range may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Additional components of total rewards—such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives—may also apply where applicable.

Salary Range for Pay Transparency$23—$25 USDBy applying, you acknowledge that Certified Group will process your personal information for recruitment and hiring purposes in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Policy. California residents may review additional information about how we collect and use personal information, including retention and rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here: Certified Group Privacy Policy

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

Source: Certified Group careers (Greenhouse)

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