Microbiologist 1

Certified Group; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Progressive 401k Retirement Plan

Employer Paid Short- and Long-Term Dis

Life Insurance

Group Medical

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Holidays and Time Off

Bonus program

Job summary

Certified Group is seeking a Microbiologist to support nutraceutical product testing and environmental microbiology. The role involves preparing samples, performing microbial analyses, and maintaining strict aseptic techniques in a fast-paced laboratory.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in microbiology with 2–3 years of lab experience and can handle physical tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds and standing for long periods. The environment emphasizes safety and quality control.

Qualifications

• BS degree in microbiology or related field with 2-3 years of lab experience.
• 1+ year of Quality Assurance or Microbiological testing experience in cosmetics, nutritional, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Able to carry up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analytical and microbiological testing of nutraceutical products and supplements ingredients.
• Perform microbial testing, bioburden, and environmental testing.
• Apply aseptic techniques and maintain accurate logs and notebooks.
• Maintain lab equipment and inventory; ensure clean, safe work environment.
• Document media preparation and controls, and report results to supervisor.

Skills

BS in Microbiology

Lab experience

Quality Assurance

Microbiological testing

Education

BS degree in microbiology or related field

Job description

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.

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 aMicrobiologistto 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
• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 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.

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 USD

By 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.