Senior Microbiologist

Clarke; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with match

Tuition reimbursement

Career development & training

LinkedIn Learning

Paid parental leave

EV incentives

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Clarke seeks a Senior Microbiologist to lead daily microbiology operations and guide Bacillus-based technologies from evaluation to manufacturing.

You will optimize cultivation/fermentation processes, manage lab staff, and collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Product Development teams to ensure compliant, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• MSc in Microbiology or related field with 5+ years of experience, or BSc with 8+ years in industry.
• Aseptic techniques proficiency including cell counting, streak plating, OD readings.
• Hands-on bioreactor operations and downstream processing experience.
• Strong communication in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily microbiology lab operations with quality and safety compliance.
• Serve as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based tech.
• Lead programs from evaluation to commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation processes for yield and manufacturing readiness.
• Maintain culture collections and troubleshoot with root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development teams.
• Develop testing methods, validation protocols, and QC systems to ensure product integrity.
• Provide project leadership, manage priorities and resources, report progress to leadership.
• Mentor microbiologists and lab personnel through coaching and training.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches for emerging tech and recommendations.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and research findings.
• Ensure ISO, GLP, and regulatory compliance while promoting safety.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Bioreactor operations

Data analysis

English communication

Travel flexibility

Education

MSc in Microbiology

BSc +8 years experience

PhD preferred

Bioprocess or biotech degree

Tools

BioCommand software

Job description

Senior Microbiologist

Are you a passionate scientist who thrives on solving complex biological challenges and turning research into real-world solutions? We are seeking a Senior Microbiologist to play a key role in advancing innovative products, supporting scientific research, and driving microbiological excellence across our organization.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional who is committed to scientific integrity, continuous improvement, and making a measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily microbiology lab operations, ensuring efficient workflow and compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Serve as the SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies, providing scientific and technical guidance.
• Lead biological active ingredient programs from evaluation through commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation processes to improve yield, scalability, and readiness for manufacturing.
• Maintain microbial culture collections and troubleshoot microbiological challenges through root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development teams to support innovation and commercialization.
• Develop microbiological testing methods, validation protocols, and quality control systems to support compliance and product integrity.
• Provide project leadership, manage priorities and resources, and communicate progress to leadership.
• Mentor microbiologists and lab personnel through coaching, training, and technical guidance.
• Conduct research, literature reviews, and patent searches to identify emerging technologies and actionable recommendations.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, protocols, and research findings.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, GLP, and regulatory requirements while promoting safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Location: St Charles, IL

Candidates should be located in reasonable proximity to St. Charles, IL. Relocation assistance will not be provided.

Top Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Microbiology, biotechnology or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, OR B.Sc. with 8+ years of relevant experience in a reputable industry. PhD is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate proficiency in aseptic techniques, including hands‑on experience with tasks such as cell counting, streak plating, analyzing bacterial media characteristics & interpreting optical density readings.
• Possess hands‑on expertise in bioreactor operations, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of various bioreactor components, proficiency in bio command software utilization, and a preference for experience in downstream process optimization, as well as the isolation or purification of the product of interest.
• Ability to work independently, think critically, and adapt based on observations and learning.
• Computer proficiency and aptitude related to data collection and interpretation, report writing and presentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English in both verbal and written form.
• Ability to travel for short periods and at last‑minute notice (up to 20%).

This is an exempt salary position and the hiring range for this position is expected to be $95,000-$120,000. This range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The salary range offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held.

BENEFITS

We offer an outstanding compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401k (Roth and traditional) with a generous match, tuition reimbursement and career development and training opportunities, LinkedIn Learning subscriptions, paid parental leave program, electric vehicle incentives, paid volunteer time, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid winter break between Christmas and New Years, and discretionary bonus.

ABOUT CLARKE

Clarke is a global leader in environmentally responsible mosquito control. You'll join a team that cares about people, the planet, and meaningful work.

ARE YOU READY?

If you are excited about what you've read and feel that you are right for this role, please submit your resume and relevant information.

Be sure to check out our website clarke.com to learn more about how Clarke is helping to make the world more livable, safe & comfortable.

Clarke is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace.