Microbiology (Technicians to Principals) (NAMSA Talent Building Community - Future Openings)

NAMSA; Northwood (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

NAMSA in Northwood, Ohio, offers a microbiology career ladder from Microbiology Technologist to Lead/Principal Microbiologist. Associates perform routine sample prep, testing, environmental monitoring, data collection, and laboratory operations to support client studies.

As you progress, you gain responsibility for complex identifications, method development, data interpretation, mentoring, and client consultation, while opportunities in regulatory compliance and sterility assurance broaden your

Qualifications

• Experience in regulated environments with familiarity to GLP, GMP, GxP, ISO standards, USP requirements, FDA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine sample preparation, testing, and environmental monitoring to support client studies.
• Collect data and operate laboratory equipment to ensure accurate results.
• Progress along the microbiology career ladder from Technologist to Lead/Principal Microbiologist with increasing responsibilities.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Education

BS in Microbiology/Life Science

Job description

NAMSA pioneered the industry and was the first independent company in the world to focus solely on medical device materials for safety. NAMSA started testing medical devices before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started regulating such products in 1976.

We are shaping the industry. NAMSA has been a key contributor to the development of the test methods that govern our industry. We have become the industry’s premier provider. We provide support for clients during every step of the product development lifecycle and beyond.

Vision

to inspire innovative MedTech solutions that advance global healthcare, improve patient lives and accelerate Client success and the

Mission

to deliver best-in-class global MedTech development solutions through our people, expertise and technology by adhering to our core

Values

• Act with integrity in everything we do.
• Provide best-in-class customer experiences.
• Develop superior talent and deliver expertise.
• Respond with agility and provide timely results.
• Embrace collaboration, diverse perspectives and ideas.

Job Description

Target Pay Ranges Are Aligned With Level of Position Within Career Ladder.

At NAMSA’s Northwood, Ohio laboratory, a career in Microbiology offers multiple pathways for growth, development, and technical specialization. Associates may begin as a Microbiology Technologist, performing routine sample preparation, testing, environmental monitoring, data collection, and laboratory operations in support of client studies. As they progress through the Associate Microbiologist, Microbiologist, Senior Microbiologist, and Lead/Principal Microbiologist career ladder, they gain increasing responsibility for complex microbial identifications, study design support, method development and validation, problem solving, data interpretation, technical oversight, client consultation, mentoring, process improvements, and serving as scientific subject matter experts for routine and custom testing programs. In parallel, NAMSA also offers a Technical Support Specialist career path focused on coordinating and supporting client testing programs from planning through execution, partnering closely with sponsors to deliver high-quality routine and customized microbiological testing solutions. Together, these roles provide opportunities to build expertise in microbiology, sterility assurance, regulatory compliance, laboratory operations, client engagement, and scientific leadership while supporting some of the world’s leading medical device and healthcare organizations.

Qualifications & Technical Competencies

Experience working in regulated environments and familiarity with GLP, GMP, GxP, ISO standards, USP requirements, FDA regulations, and other applicable quality and regulatory frameworks is highly preferred across all levels. The typical progression includes:

• Microbiology Technologist: Entry-level laboratory role focused on routine sample preparation, testing, environmental monitoring, equipment operation, data collection, and documentation. Candidates typically possess a Bachelor of Science degree in a life science discipline or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
• Associate Microbiologist: Builds technical proficiency through independent execution of microbiological testing, data review, troubleshooting, and study support activities. Candidates typically possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field, along with relevant laboratory experience or demonstrated technical competency.
• Microbiologist: Applies advanced technical knowledge to testing activities, data interpretation, client studies, and problem-solving initiatives. Candidates generally possess a Bachelor of Science degree and several years of relevant microbiology, sterility assurance, or regulated laboratory experience.
• Senior Microbiologist: Serves as a technical resource within the laboratory, supporting complex testing programs, method improvements, investigations, mentoring, and client-facing activities. Candidates typically possess a Bachelor of Science degree and significant experience in microbiology and regulated testing environments.
• Lead/Principal Microbiologist: Functions as a scientific subject matter expert, providing technical leadership, client consultation, study design input, method development support, mentoring, and strategic laboratory guidance. Candidates typically possess a Bachelor of Science degree and extensive experience in microbiological testing, laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and scientific leadership.
• Technical Support Specialist Career Ladder: For professionals interested in combining scientific expertise with project coordination and client engagement, the Technical Support Specialist path supports routine and custom testing programs from planning through execution. These roles partner closely with clients and laboratory teams to ensure studies are delivered efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with client and regulatory requirements.

Working Conditions

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Extensive use of computer keyboard; operate computer equipment.

NAMSA Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Company

NAMSA participates in pre-employment background and drug screen processes aligned to local, state and federal laws.