Scientist 1 - Environmental Microbiology

Pace® Labs; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Pace® Labs is seeking a Scientist 1 in Environmental Microbiology for our Oklahoma City facility. The role is full-time and onsite, with standard hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, performing hands-on analysis to ensure the integrity of environmental data affecting communities.

The candidate will analyze samples for mold and other fungal structures, maintain lab instruments, and meticulously document observations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology or related life sciences.
• Pace provides training to new hires as needed.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including PPE and standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Analyze environmental samples for mold and fungal structures using microscopy and related methods.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Document procedures, observations, and results accurately to ensure high-quality records.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology or related life sciences

Job description

Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives.

This is a full-time, onsite, Scientist 1 - Environmental Microbiology position located in Oklahoma City, OK, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Compensation: $16.66 per hour The salary for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer.

Make an Impact. Build a Career. At Pace®, everything we do is built upon an unwavering commitment to making the world a safer, healthier place. Since 1978, we’ve continued developing innovative practices that drive sustainability and empower our partners with accurate quality data at every critical moment and milestone. That's why we need you -- your curiosity, your talents, and your drive -- to help us advance this important work, and your career.

We’re seeking curious, motivated individuals who are passionate about protecting our environment and the communities we serve. If you’re looking to develop your skills, contribute to meaningful scientific work, and build a long-term career in environmental science, Pace® could be the perfect place for you.

Find Your Place at Pace® Join us as a Scientist and put your passion for science to work in our environmental testing laboratory.

In this role, you’ll conduct hands‑on analysis within our laboratories, helping ensure the integrity and quality of environmental data that impacts communities and ecosystems.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze environmental samples for the presence of mold and other fungal structures through microscopic examination, including air samples, tape lifts, swabs, bulk matrices, and other environmental matrices, following established laboratory procedures and quality standards.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Accurately document procedures, observations, and results to maintain high-quality, organized laboratory records.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology or other science - related degrees - or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• We are happy to provide training!
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods, working around strong odors, and wearing required PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves—all provided by Pace®).

What We Promise

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement. Our benefits also include life and disability insurance, paid holidays, and paid time off to support your well-being in and out of the workplace. Clear pathways to grow and build a rewarding scientific career. An inclusive, values-driven culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. We embrace and value the unique perspectives each person brings — our differences strengthen our team and enrich our culture.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related items in a lab and sample setting.

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits

When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Pace® makes the world a safer, healthier place. We partner with clients to provide the service, science, and laboratory data needed to make critical decisions that benefit us all. Through a nationwide laboratory network, Pace® advances the science of businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and others. More at PACELABS.com.