Microbiology Technician I - Colors

Agricultural Ingredients N. America; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

On-site safety gear

Professional development

Job summary

Sensient Technologies in Missouri is seeking a Microbiology Technician I to join our quality‑focused team. This role supports our product safety program by performing microbiology testing on food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products and by helping drive continuous improvement to meet Plant KPIs in a team‑oriented environment.

You will prepare media, perform environmental monitoring (air, surface and water), analyze routine test data, and collaborate with Production, Supply Chain, Maintenance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field is required or preferred.
• New graduates to 2 years of microbiology lab experience welcomed.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and lab best practices.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and basic statistics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology testing for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.
• Prepare media and maintain laboratory inventory.
• Conduct environmental monitoring (air, surface, water).
• Analyze routine test data and support quality initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to improve processes.

Skills

Microbiology testing

Environmental monitoring

Data analysis

Communication & teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field

Job description

Come join the skilled team at Sensient Technologies. We are collaborative and hard working. We solve tough problems, and we will be better with you.

We are looking for a Microbiology Technician I (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday – Thursday) to join our team and play an essential role in supporting our product safety program while executing continuous improvement initiatives to achieve Plant Level KPIs in a team‑centric environment

What You'll Do:

• Conduct microbiology testing for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products following established methods and protocols while meeting turnaround times to ensure product safety and quality.
• Prepare microbiological media, maintain laboratory inventory, and perform environmental monitoring, including air, surface, and water sampling.
• Conduct microbiological inspections, analyze routine test data, and support Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and other quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D, to troubleshoot issues and improve processes.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), scientific methods, and laboratory best practices while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biological Science, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related technical field.
• New graduate to 2 years of microbiology laboratory experience preferred.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, microbiological testing methods, and laboratory best practices.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and basic statistical tools such as Pareto Analysis and Control Charts.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and Microsoft Office skills.

What You'll Get:

• Excellent pay and benefits from day one.
• A safe work environment with support from an experienced management team.
• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training to support your professional development.
• Company-provided uniforms and safety equipment, including hairnets, beard covers, dust masks, lifting belts, and respirators as required.

About Sensient:

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing many of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Colors:

Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, as well as colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners, and paper products.

SQF Responsibility:

Ensure the highest level of commitment to Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards to provide assurance that all products are produced, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible food safety and quality standards.

SPONSORSHIP:

Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in (country) without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

RELOCATION:

We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at (location) and must reside in area or be willing to commute.
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.