Microbiologist 2

Washington State University; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick and vacation leave

Holidays

Insurance package

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Training and development

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University in Puyallup seeks a Microbiologist 2 to perform testing across microbiology sub-disciplines, including PCR, and support avian health and food safety surveillance. You will process samples, run assays, troubleshoot, and report results while adhering to BSL-2 safety guidelines.

The role is full-time with overtime eligibility; prior microbiology lab experience and relevant degrees are required. A background check and department guidelines apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree with 20 semester/30 quarter hours in microbiology and 2 years of professional microbiology lab experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• PhD may substitute for two years of experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday and rotate holidays/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Perform accurate testing across microbiology sub-disciplines and molecular diagnostics (PCR).
• Handle sample processing, assay execution, troubleshooting, QA/QC, and test reporting.
• Participate in assay development and maintain high standards of lab performance.
• Work in a BSL‑2 environment per biosafety guidelines.

Skills

Microbiology experience

Flex schedule

BSL-2 safety

Laboratory testing

Education

Bachelor’s in Microbiology

Master’s degree substitutions

PhD substitutions

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: October 4, 2026. If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 515K-YN_CS_NPS - Microbiologist 2

Business Title: Microbiologist 2

Employee Type: Classified

Position Details

In this role, you will perform accurate and timely testing across multiple microbiological sub-disciplines, including microbiology (bacteriology, mycology), immunodiagnostics/serology, and molecular diagnostics (PCR), supporting client‑centric avian health and food safety surveillance and diagnostic testing. You will be responsible for sample processing, assay execution, troubleshooting, laboratory quality assurance/quality control, test reporting, and participation in assay development. Your work will contribute to the delivery of reliable diagnostic services while maintaining high standards of laboratory performance. To be successful in this position, you must be eligible to work within and have an understanding of BSL‑2 laboratory safety guidelines and the associated laboratory work environment.

This is a fulltime (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $5,111 to $6,870 | Range 54. Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357‑28. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology or a major in another laboratory science provided that at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in microbiology are included AND two years of professional experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for one year of experience.
• A Ph.D. degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for two years of experience OR Equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday.
• Ability to work rotating Holidays and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, if necessary.
• Must not have routine exposure to avian species, including pet birds, or frequent poultry farm visits, due to biosafety regulations/policy/concerns.
• Physical eligibility required for working in a BSL‑2 environment.
• See the following link for more information: Biosafety/Biocontainment Plan Guidance: Provision Requirements | Compliance | Federal Select Agent Program

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in microbiology or closely related field of study.
• Work experience with medical or laboratory data base(s).
• Experience handling biological specimens.
• Experience in sterile technique.
• Experience working with zoonotic agents in appropriate biosafety levels.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in isolation of DNA/RNA from tissue and body fluids/samples and use of PCR in identification of microbial agents.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge to perform primary isolation techniques of microorganisms.
• Experience working with automated lab testing procedures, i.e. ELISA.
• Work experience in a diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Experience working with SOPs and/or a Quality System.
• Familiarity with Veterinary Medicine.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/Campus

College of Veterinary Medicine | Washington State University

Department: WA Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab (WADDL) – Avian Health & Food Safety Laboratory

Location: WSU‑Puyallup

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business‑related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Additional Employment Information

Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509‑335‑4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1‑800‑833‑6384; TDD Callers: 1‑800‑833‑6388, 509‑335‑1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non‑Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

WSU is Washington's land‑grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri‑Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.