Senior Microbiologist

Clarke; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Career development & training

LinkedIn Learning subscriptions

Paid parental leave

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Clarke seeks a Senior Microbiologist to lead microbiology operations, oversee microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies, and drive scale-up from evaluation through commercialization. You will collaborate across Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development teams, mentor staff, and ensure ISO/GLP compliance while pursuing innovation.

The role requires strong scientific rigor, excellent communication, and the ability to travel short notice. Location is St.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Microbiology or related field with 5+ years experience, or B.Sc. with 8+ years in industry.
• PhD strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and microbial assays.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily microbiology lab operations and ensure quality and safety compliance.
• Act as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based tech.
• Lead programs from evaluation to commercialization, incl. scale-up and regulatory support.
• Develop and optimize microbial cultivation and fermentation to improve yield and scalability.
• Maintain culture collections and troubleshoot microbiological challenges.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Product Development.
• Develop testing methods, validation protocols, and QC systems.
• Provide project leadership and communicate progress to leadership.
• Mentor microbiologists and lab personnel.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches.
• Prepare technical docs and ensure ISO, GLP and regulatory compliance.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent thinking

Technical leadership

Education

M.S. in Microbiology or related field

B.S. with 8+ years experience

PhD preferred

Tools

Bioreactor software

Job description

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.

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