Microbiologist job description
A microbiologist in a testing, food, pharmaceutical or water laboratory analyses samples for micro-organisms and reports results that customers and regulators rely on. A strong job description names the sample types, the test methods and the quality standard the lab works to (for example ISO/IEC 17025 or NABL accreditation), so candidates can judge their fit.
Template
Microbiologist Department: Quality / Laboratory Location: [City / Remote / Hybrid] Employment type: [Full time / Part time / Contract] About [Company name] [Two or three sentences about what your company does and why people enjoy working there.] About the role Run microbiological tests on samples, keep the lab compliant, and report accurate results on time. What you’ll do • Receive, log and prepare samples for microbiological analysis • Perform tests such as total plate count, yeast and mould, coliforms and pathogen detection using approved methods • Prepare and quality-check culture media, reagents and controls • Maintain aseptic technique and follow laboratory safety procedures • Calibrate and maintain lab equipment such as incubators, autoclaves and laminar air flow units • Record results accurately and prepare test reports within agreed turnaround times • Support method validation, proficiency testing and internal audits • Follow the lab's quality system and document deviations and corrective actions What we’re looking for • M.Sc. or B.Sc. in Microbiology or a related life science • 1–4 years of experience in a microbiology testing laboratory • Hands-on experience with standard microbiological test methods • Working knowledge of good laboratory practice and documentation • Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping • Ability to work to sample turnaround times Nice to have • Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 or NABL-accredited laboratory • Exposure to food, water, pharmaceutical or environmental samples • Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS) What we offer [Compensation range, benefits, learning budget, flexible working and anything else that makes the role attractive.] How to apply [Apply link or instructions.]
How to use this template
- Name the sample types (food, water, pharma, environmental) and approximate daily volume.
- List the main test methods so candidates can match their experience.
- State the accreditation the lab works to, if any.
- Be clear about shifts, weekend testing and sample collection travel.
Mistakes to avoid
- Listing every possible skill: keep the microbiologist requirements to what is truly needed on day one, and move the rest to "nice to have".
- Using internal job codes or vague titles that candidates don't search for.
- Leaving out location, work mode and employment type, which are the first things candidates check.
- Writing about the company for paragraphs and the role for one line. Lead with the work itself.
Interview questions for a microbiologist
- Walk me through how you would test a sample for coliforms, from receipt to report.
- How do you prevent and detect contamination in the lab?
- Tell me about a deviation or out-of-specification result you handled. What did you do?
- How do you check that a new batch of culture media is fit for use?
Where to post your microbiologist job
Post the finished description on your careers page, Google for Jobs, Naukri, LinkedIn and Indeed, and share it on WhatsApp with a tracked link. With OneATS you can publish to all of them in one click and see which channel brings the best candidates.