Microbiology Lab Supervisor

Certified Group; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group in California is seeking a Laboratory Services Supervisor to lead a team of technicians and oversee daily lab operations. You will ensure accurate testing across multiple disciplines, maintain compliance with ISO 17025 and GLP, and drive workflow efficiency.

You will manage data entry, reporting via LIMS, and continuous improvements while maintaining safety, quality, and customer service standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or the biological sciences required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading an hourly workforce in an operations environment.
• Experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing preferred (e.g., food, cosmetics, tobacco).
• Strong understanding of quality and safety standards.
• Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations and supervise laboratory technicians to ensure accurate testing.
• Maintain adherence to SOPs, ISO 17025, GLP, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate data entry, reporting, and documentation through the LIMS system.
• Coach and develop team members; drive safety and quality culture.
• Prepare for internal and external audits and maintain a compliant lab.
• Allocate staffing and manage workflow to meet deadlines.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory operations

Quality & safety standards

Data entry & reporting

Communication skills

LIMS

Coaching & development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or biological sciences

Tools

LIMS

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.

Our Brands

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.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Services Supervisor provides frontline leadership and oversees the daily execution of laboratory operations. This hands‑on role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely testing across assigned disciplines such as Microbiology, Chemistry, Sample Intake, and Media Preparation.

You will lead a team of laboratory technicians while driving workflow efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. This role is critical to delivering consistent results aligned with productivity, quality, customer service, and safety expectations.

Our Purpose & Values

Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.

Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.

Values

• Put the customer first
• Commit to safety and quality
• Drive to deliver
• Act with integrity
• Support the team

Responsibilities

Quality, Safety & Technical Excellence

• Ensure adherence to SOPs, ISO 17025 standards, GLP, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain data integrity, accurate testing, and proper documentation
• Coach team members on quality control and laboratory best practices
• Prepare the laboratory and staff for internal and external audits
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant lab environment
• Promote and enforce a strong culture of safety

Operations & Workflow Management

• Lead daily operational huddles to align on priorities, staffing, and workflow
• Manage sample tracking, data entry, and reporting through LIMS
• Allocate staffing based on testing volume and priorities
• Identify and drive process improvements to increase efficiency and throughput
• Maintain performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

People Leadership & Development

• Supervise and develop a team of laboratory technicians
• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and engaging team culture
• Conduct performance reviews and regular 1:1 coaching conversations
• Support employee growth through training and career development
• Manage staffing plans, scheduling, and workforce planning

  Customer Focus

  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting of results
  • Escalate out-of-specification results appropriately
  • Support resolution of client inquiries and concerns
  • Maintain professionalism in all customer interactions

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or the biological sciences required
  • Minimum 3 years of experience leading an hourly workforce in an operations environment
  • Experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing preferred (e.g., food, cosmetics, tobacco)
  • Strong understanding of quality and safety standards
  • Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documents
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments

  Technical & Analytical Skills

  • Working knowledge of statistical concepts and data interpretation
  • Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions

  Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Exposure to laboratory conditions including chemicals, biological materials, and varying noise levels
  • Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
  • May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
  • Schedule may include nights and weekends based on business needs

  Schedule

  Tuesday-Saturday 3:00pm-11:30pm

  Salary Range for Pay Transparency: $80,000 USD - $90,000 USD

  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.

  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.