Microbiologist II, I
Job Title - Microbiologist II, I
FT / PT Status - Full-time
Benefits Eligibility - Yes
Salary - $29.01 - $43.60
Remote Work / In-Office - In-OfficeRecruiter - Christa Rowland | [click to reveal email address] | [click to reveal phone number]
Application Deadline - 10-2-26
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Job Description
TheDivision of Laboratory Services at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food(UDAF) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional for aMicrobiologist I or Microbiologist II position. This role provides criticalsupport to our Dairy, Meat, and Specialized Product testing programs. The idealcandidate possesses a bachelor's degree in microbiology and experience withGood Laboratory Practices (GLP) and ISO 17025:2017 standards. Candidates withdegrees in biology or chemistry who have relevant microbiological laboratoryexperience are also strongly encouraged to apply. We are looking for anindividual with exceptional integrity, strong technical proficiency, andoutstanding interpersonal skills.
DairySection: Tests dairy products in partnership with the FDA in accordance withthe Grade-A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Testing parameters include bacterial,coliform, and somatic cell counts, drug residue detection, and pasteurizationefficiency evaluation.
MeatSection: Tests meat products in partnership with the USDA, focusing on pathogendetection via qPCR and isolation via culture methods.
SpecializedProducts Section: Conducts regulatory and investigative testing for medicalcannabis, industrial hemp, and kratom products. Analyses include bacterial andyeast/mold enumeration, as well as pathogen detection via qPCR.
Pursuantto Utah Code §§ 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arisefrom or directly relate to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Duties may requireconduct which is in violation of the criminal laws of the United States withrespect to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cannabis. As a conditionof employment, candidates who are selected to fill this position will berequired to sign an Acceptance of Duties Under the Medical Cannabis ActAcknowledgment Form.
Pursuantto Utah Code §§ 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arisefrom or directly relate to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Duties may requireconduct which is in violation of the criminal laws of the United States withrespect to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cannabis. As a conditionof employment, candidates who are selected to fill this position will berequired to sign an Acceptance of Duties Under the Medical Cannabis ActAcknowledgment Form.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct microbiological analysis, data reporting, and quality control following ISO 17025
and GLP standards. - Support dairy, meat, and specialized product testing programs in collaboration with
laboratory staff. - Prepare and process samples for testing, including weighing, serial dilutions, media
preparation, and culture isolation. - Maintain complete, accurate documentation of procedures and quality control checks.
- Perform routine lab operations, equipment maintenance, solution preparation, and
environmental monitoring. - Ensure compliance with biosafety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and
state/federal regulations. - Apply and explain relevant statutes, guidelines, and agency policies to maintain
regulatory compliance. - Generate analytical reports and defend laboratory data in legal or administrative
proceedings as needed. - Safely handle pathogens and regulated substances in accordance with safety protocols.
Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
- Knowledge of chemical and microbiological terminology and safety standards.
- Ability to adhere strictly to established laboratory safety guidelines, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
- Ability to execute essential laboratory operations, including temperature tracking, solution preparation, data entry and reporting, and equipment maintenance.
- Strong time-management, communication, and collaborative teamwork abilities.
Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with microbiological techniques, including plate counts, qPCR, and culture isolation.
- Proficiency in laboratory calculations for reagent preparations and sample dilutions.
- Familiarity with ISO 17025 standards, GLP, and laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
About the Role
Location - 4451 S 2700 W, Taylorsville
Background Check Required - Yes
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
The AgencyFor more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please click here.
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.