Microbiologist

CoFactor Recruitment; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

CoFactor Recruitment is seeking an entry-level Microbiologist to support microbiological testing of water and wastewater samples in a hands-on laboratory.

The role involves performing EPA-approved tests, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring quality control and timely sample processing under supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Foundational hands-on experience with water or wastewater testing.
• Familiarity with coliform testing, MPN calculations, and BOD analysis.
• Basic understanding of EPA-approved methods, Standard Methods, and QA/QC practices.
• Ability to follow written procedures, perform basic lab calculations, and document work accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and time-sensitive testing capabilities.

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 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 QA/QC procedures, including blanks, controls, and reference materials.
• Maintain accurate lab records and input results into LIMS.
• Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, pipettes, pH meters, DO meters).
• Follow safety, aseptic technique, waste disposal, and contamination prevention procedures.
• Identify and report unusual results, deviations, and equipment issues to supervisor.

Skills

Water testing

EPA methods

Coliform testing

MPN calculations

BOD analysis

QA/QC

Laboratory documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Biology/Environmental Science

Related lab experience considered

Tools

LIMS

Job description

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

The successful candidate will perform testing using established laboratory procedures and applicable EPA-approved methods, including Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Experience Level: Entry level; approximately 0-2 years of relevant experience. Academic laboratory experience and internships will be considered.