Associate Microbiologist

True North Analytical; Roseville (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K with match

HSA contribution

Paid Time Off

Job summary

True North Analytical in Roseville, MN is seeking a microbiology-focused professional to perform routine and non-routine analytical testing on botanicals, foods, beverages, and related materials. You will ensure data integrity and audit-ready results per ISO/IEC 17025 and Minnesota requirements, supporting method verification, instrument qualification, and QA collaboration.

The role requires hands-on microbiology experience in a regulated lab, on-site five days a week in Roseville.

Qualifications

• BS in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field; MS preferred for senior levels.
• 3+ years of hands-on microbiology experience in a regulated lab setting.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025, data integrity (ALCOA+), and LIMS/e-records.

Responsibilities

• Perform enumerations and presence/absence testing with required controls and charting.
• Execute culture methods and rapid molecular methods (PCR/qPCR) for indicator organisms and targets.
• Prepare and qualify media; perform growth-promotion testing, sterility checks, and pH/lot verification.
• Operate and maintain microbiology equipment; complete daily/weekly checks and preventive maintenance.
• Run IQC/OC controls, system suitability, and document nonconforming work.
• Process data in LIMS/e-records; apply CFU/ml or MPN calculations and submit for technical review.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Culture methods

Enumeration/CFU

qPCR methods

Data integrity (ALCOA+)

Documentation/rInformatio

Time management

Written/Verbal communication

Excel & statistics

Education

BS in Microbiology/Biology/Food Science or related field

MS preferred for senior levels

Tools

LIMS/e-records

Excel

Job description

Description

Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing on botanicals, extracts, food, beverages, medical devices and other materials as deemed appropriate by management using validated methods (e.g., culture-based and rapid/qPCR methods). Ensures data integrity and on-time, audit-ready results per ISO/IEC 17025 and Minnesota OCM/CTA requirements. Supports method verification/validation, instrument qualification, and continuous process improvement.

Key Duties:

• Perform enumerations and presence/absence testing with required positive/negative controls, blanks, duplicates, and system-suitability checks; maintain control charts where applicable.
• Execute culture methods and rapid molecular methods (PCR/qPCR) for indicator organisms and pathogen/fungal targets (including Aspergillus spp.) per validated procedures.
• Prepare and qualify media and reagents; perform growth-promotion testing, sterility checks, and pH/lot verification.
• Operate and maintain microbiology equipment (biosafety cabinets, incubators, autoclaves, homogenizers, automated colony counters, qPCR systems); complete daily/weekly checks and preventive maintenance.
• Run IQC/OC controls, system suitability, and charting; document any nonconforming work.
• Process data in LIMS/e-records; apply CFU/ml or MPN calculations and submit for technical review.
• Compare results to specifications; request clarifications, confirmations, or re-tests as needed.
• Manage biohazard waste streams: decontaminate, autoclave, and document disposal.
• Maintain housekeeping, EHS compliance, and proper disinfectant use.
• Complete required training and keep competency current.
• Other duties as assigned.

True North, LLC offers competitive Benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401K with match, a generous HSA employer contribution and PTO. This role would be required to be onsite 5 days per week from the Roseville, MN location. This is an exempt-full time role. Salary competitive within the Twin Cities Market.

Come join our Collaborative Team!

Requirements

Education / Certification:

• BS in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or a related field (MS preferred for senior levels); in lieu of a degree, an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of hands-on microbiology experience in a regulated lab setting (food, environmental, pharma/biotech, or related).
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025, data integrity (ALCOA+), and LIMS/e-records.

Technical Experience/Knowledge:

• Aseptic technique; culture methods (enrichment, selective/differential media, confirmations).
• Enumeration (CFU/plate counts), rapid methods/qPCR, EM sampling and trending.
• Equipment qualification basics (incubator/autoclave verification, thermometer calibration checks).
• Understanding of microbiology performance characteristics (POD, inclusivity/exclusivity, LoD concept, precision).
• Proficient with Excel and basic statistics; able to interpret control charts and EM trends.
• High attention to detail, documentation rigor, and time management.
• Clear written/verbal communication; collaborative with QA, PMs, and Study Directors.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Work in a microbiology laboratory with required PPE; stand/walk for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Handle biological materials and disinfectants per SOP/SDS; follow BSL-appropriate practices.
• Standard work hours with occasional flexibility to meet TAT or incubation windows.