Senior Microbiologist

Clarke; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with match

Tuition reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning

Paid parental leave

PTO & holidays

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Clarke is seeking a Senior Microbiologist in St. Charles, IL to lead daily microbiology lab operations and drive innovation across the organization.

You will act as SME for microbial active ingredients and Bacillus-based technologies, guiding programs from evaluation through commercialization, including scale-up and regulatory support. The role requires advanced degree with extensive hands-on microbiology and bioprocess experience, strong problem-solving, and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• MSc in Microbiology or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, OR BSc with 8+ years of relevant experience; PhD strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and handling of bacterial cultures.
• Hands-on bioreactor operations and downstream process optimization experience.
• Ability to work independently with strong critical thinking and adaptability.
• Data collection, report writing and presentation skills in English.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Bioreactor operations

Data analysis

English communication

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

MSc in Microbiology or related field

PhD preferred

BSc with 8+ years experience

Tools

BioCommand 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
• 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.

Salary: $95000 - $120000 per year