Microbiologist II, I

State of Utah; Taylorsville (UT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Laboratory Services at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is seeking a Microbiologist I or II to support dairy, meat, and specialized product testing programs. The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and have GLP and ISO 17025 experience, with strong integrity, technical skill, and communication.

Responsibilities include performing microbiological analyses, maintaining documentation, and ensuring biosafety and regulatory compliance while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or related field.
• Experience with GLP and ISO 17025:2017 standards.
• Ability to adhere to lab safety guidelines and SOPs.
• Experience with data entry, reporting, and quality control.
• Strong time-management and communication skills.

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, 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.

Skills

GLP experience

ISO 17025 familiarity

Data reporting

Biosafety

Laboratory safety

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or closely related field

Tools

LIMS

qPCR

Job description

Job Title

Microbiologist II, I

Contract

Full-time

Benefits Eligibility

Yes

Salary

$29.01 - $43.60

Remote Work / In-Office

In-Office

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

The Division of Laboratory Services at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional for a Microbiologist I or Microbiologist II position. This role provides critical support to our Dairy, Meat, and Specialized Product testing programs. The ideal candidate possesses a bachelor's degree in microbiology and experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and ISO 17025:2017 standards. Candidates with degrees in biology or chemistry who have relevant microbiological laboratory experience are also strongly encouraged to apply. We are looking for an individual with exceptional integrity, strong technical proficiency, and outstanding interpersonal skills.

Dairy Section: Tests dairy products in partnership with the FDA in accordance with the Grade-A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Testing parameters include bacterial, coliform, and somatic cell counts, drug residue detection, and pasteurization efficiency evaluation.

Meat Section: Tests meat products in partnership with the USDA, focusing on pathogen detection via qPCR and isolation via culture methods.

Specialized Products Section: Conducts regulatory and investigative testing for medical cannabis, industrial hemp, and kratom products. Analyses include bacterial and yeast/mold enumeration, as well as pathogen detection via qPCR.

• 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arise from or directly relate to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Duties may require conduct which is in violation of the criminal laws of the United States with respect to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cannabis. As a condition of employment, candidates who are selected to fill this position will be required to sign an Acceptance of Duties Under the Medical Cannabis Act Acknowledgment Form.

• 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arise from or directly relate to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Duties may require conduct which is in violation of the criminal laws of the United States with respect to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cannabis. As a condition of employment, candidates who are selected to fill this position will be required to sign an Acceptance of Duties Under the Medical Cannabis Act Acknowledgment 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.

Minimum 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 Team

In 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 Agency

For more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please click here.

EEO Statement

The 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 [phone].