Microbiologist

About the Role

This is a hands-on laboratory role for an entry-level Microbiologist to support microbiological testing of water and wastewater samples. It is ideal for someone with foundational experience in water testing, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to accurate, reliable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing of drinking water, wastewater, and other environmental water samples.
• Analyze samples for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli using applicable methods.
• Conduct Most Probable Number (MPN) testing, including multiple-tube fermentation and interpretation of results.
• Perform biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing and related sample preparation and measurements.
• Prepare media, reagents, dilutions, and laboratory supplies.
• Receive and process samples, verify sample condition and holding times, and maintain chain-of-custody records.
• Follow established quality assurance and quality control procedures, including the use of blanks, controls, and reference materials.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and enter results into a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment, including incubators, autoclaves, pipettes, pH meters, and dissolved oxygen meters.
• Follow laboratory safety, aseptic technique, waste disposal, and contamination prevention procedures.
• Identify and report unusual results, procedural deviations, and equipment issues to the laboratory supervisor.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Foundational hands-on experience with water or wastewater testing through employment, internships, or academic laboratory work.
• Familiarity with coliform testing, MPN calculations, multiple-tube fermentation, and BOD analysis.
• Basic understanding of EPA-approved methods, Standard Methods, and laboratory quality control practices.
• Ability to follow written procedures, perform basic laboratory calculations, and document work accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage samples with time-sensitive testing requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in an environmental testing or water quality laboratory.
• Familiarity with membrane filtration, defined-substrate coliform testing, and confirmatory testing.
• Experience working with LIMS and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Understanding of sample preservation, holding times, media preparation, and sterilization procedures.