Microbiology Jobs in California
Microbiology jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical diagnostics, and public health, with openings at every level from laboratory technician through principal scientist and research director. The largest hiring centers are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Genentech, Abbott Laboratories, and the University of California health system maintain deep and consistent demand. The most sought-after specialties in California right now are industrial fermentation, clinical microbiology, and environmental testing tied to the state's strict regulatory standards. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Microbiology JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Microbiology jobs
Company Description
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.
The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organization services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralized and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.
2025, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 7.296 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
Job Description
Position Overview
Eurofins Advantar Laboratories is seeking a Laboratory Manager – Microbiology to lead microbiology operations at our San Diego site supporting pharmaceutical and medical device clients.
This is a people leadership role responsible for overseeing laboratory operations through lab supervisors and team leads, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely delivery of testing services in a regulated environment.
The Laboratory Manager serves as the execution and technical leader of the department, accountable for laboratory performance across Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Microbiology testing functions. This role operates at a management level, leading leaders, and driving outcomes through effective team structure, technical oversight, and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead and manage laboratory operations through:
- Set direction, priorities, and expectations for the laboratory organization
- Ensure strong leadership alignment and accountability at the supervisor/lead level
- Build and maintain a high-performing, scalable team and develop talent.
Laboratory Operations (Execution Ownership)
- Oversee execution of microbiology and environmental monitoring testing, including:
- Sterility, bioburden, endotoxin, and related compendial methods
- Environmental monitoring programs (on-site and off-site)
- Ensure laboratory performance consistently meets:
- Turnaround time (TAT) commitments
- Quality and regulatory standards
- Client delivery expectations across timelines, scope, and output quality
- Own reliable and predictable delivery of laboratory services, ensuring work is executed in a manner that supports strong client outcomes
- Partner with Project Management to align laboratory capacity and execution with client needs and commitments
- Manage laboratory workflow, prioritization, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery
- Ensure laboratory operations are executed in a cost-conscious and efficient manner, optimizing labor and materials
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and their teams
- Oversee:
- Hiring and onboarding
- Performance management and development planning
- Organizational structure and staffing alignment
- Establish a culture of:
- accountability
- continuous improvement
- technical excellence
Technical Leadership (Pharma / Medical Device Focus)
- Serve as technical subject matter expert for microbiology operations
- Ensure adherence to:
- cGMP and regulated laboratory standards
- USP microbiology methods
- Support:
- technical escalations
- investigations and troubleshooting
- Represent the laboratory in audits and client technical discussions
Quality & Compliance
- Maintain compliance with:
- cGMP, GDP, ISO, and USP standards
- Lead or support:
- Deviations / OOS investigations
- CAPAs and change controls
- Ensure audit readiness for:
- FDA, ISO, and client audits
Client Technical Interface
- Act as technical representative for clients as needed
- Partner with Project Management to support:
- technical discussions
- issue resolution
- capability alignment
Laboratory Infrastructure & Equipment
- Ensure:
- Qualification, maintenance, and calibration of equipment
- Oversee:
- Equipment lifecycle and implementation of new technologies
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related life science
- 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or medical device laboratory environment
- 2+ years of leadership experience, including experience supervising laboratory staff or team leads in a regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of:
- cGMP and regulated lab environments
- USP microbiology methods
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading multi-team lab operations (EM + Microbiology)
- Experience managing supervisors or functional leads
- Experience supporting regulatory or client audits
- Advanced degree (MS or higher) in Microbiology or related life science preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to lead through layered team structures
- Strong operational leadership and execution discipline
- Technical depth in microbiology and regulated testing
- Ability to balance:
- technical rigor
- operational efficiency
- team development
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Additional Information
Position is full-time, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of San Diego, CA are encouraged to apply.
Pay Range: $85,000 – $115,000 per year depending on related experience
Excellent full time benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
Eurofins USA BioPharma Services is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Company Description
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.
The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organization services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralized and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.
2025, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 7.296 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
Job Description
Position Overview
Eurofins Advantar Laboratories is seeking a Laboratory Manager – Microbiology to lead microbiology operations at our San Diego site supporting pharmaceutical and medical device clients.
This is a people leadership role responsible for overseeing laboratory operations through lab supervisors and team leads, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely delivery of testing services in a regulated environment.
The Laboratory Manager serves as the execution and technical leader of the department, accountable for laboratory performance across Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Microbiology testing functions. This role operates at a management level, leading leaders, and driving outcomes through effective team structure, technical oversight, and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead and manage laboratory operations through:
- Set direction, priorities, and expectations for the laboratory organization
- Ensure strong leadership alignment and accountability at the supervisor/lead level
- Build and maintain a high-performing, scalable team and develop talent.
Laboratory Operations (Execution Ownership)
- Oversee execution of microbiology and environmental monitoring testing, including:
- Sterility, bioburden, endotoxin, and related compendial methods
- Environmental monitoring programs (on-site and off-site)
- Ensure laboratory performance consistently meets:
- Turnaround time (TAT) commitments
- Quality and regulatory standards
- Client delivery expectations across timelines, scope, and output quality
- Own reliable and predictable delivery of laboratory services, ensuring work is executed in a manner that supports strong client outcomes
- Partner with Project Management to align laboratory capacity and execution with client needs and commitments
- Manage laboratory workflow, prioritization, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery
- Ensure laboratory operations are executed in a cost-conscious and efficient manner, optimizing labor and materials
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and their teams
- Oversee:
- Hiring and onboarding
- Performance management and development planning
- Organizational structure and staffing alignment
- Establish a culture of:
- accountability
- continuous improvement
- technical excellence
Technical Leadership (Pharma / Medical Device Focus)
- Serve as technical subject matter expert for microbiology operations
- Ensure adherence to:
- cGMP and regulated laboratory standards
- USP microbiology methods
- Support:
- technical escalations
- investigations and troubleshooting
- Represent the laboratory in audits and client technical discussions
Quality & Compliance
- Maintain compliance with:
- cGMP, GDP, ISO, and USP standards
- Lead or support:
- Deviations / OOS investigations
- CAPAs and change controls
- Ensure audit readiness for:
- FDA, ISO, and client audits
Client Technical Interface
- Act as technical representative for clients as needed
- Partner with Project Management to support:
- technical discussions
- issue resolution
- capability alignment
Laboratory Infrastructure & Equipment
- Ensure:
- Qualification, maintenance, and calibration of equipment
- Oversee:
- Equipment lifecycle and implementation of new technologies
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related life science
- 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or medical device laboratory environment
- 2+ years of leadership experience, including experience supervising laboratory staff or team leads in a regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of:
- cGMP and regulated lab environments
- USP microbiology methods
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading multi-team lab operations (EM + Microbiology)
- Experience managing supervisors or functional leads
- Experience supporting regulatory or client audits
- Advanced degree (MS or higher) in Microbiology or related life science preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to lead through layered team structures
- Strong operational leadership and execution discipline
- Technical depth in microbiology and regulated testing
- Ability to balance:
- technical rigor
- operational efficiency
- team development
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Additional Information
Position is full-time, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of San Diego, CA are encouraged to apply.
Pay Range: $85,000 – $115,000 per year depending on related experience
Excellent full time benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
Eurofins USA BioPharma Services is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
See All 15 Microbiology Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Microbiology JobsMicrobiology Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Microbiology Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- County of Monterey, CA2
- Abbott1
- B. Braun1
- Curia1
- Edwards Lifesciences1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals6
- Medical Devices4
- Government & Public Sector2
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Education1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in microbiology jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in microbiology, biology, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on experience with aseptic technique, culture methods, and standard microbiological assays
- Familiarity with FDA Good Manufacturing Practice or Good Laboratory Practice regulations
- Proficiency with laboratory information management systems and data documentation standards
- Experience interpreting and reporting results for clinical, environmental, or quality control applications
- Strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports and regulatory submissions
Microbiology Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a microbiology in California?
California does not require a state-issued license specifically for microbiologists, but most employers require at minimum a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or biochemistry from an accredited institution. Clinical laboratory scientists performing diagnostic microbiology in licensed California labs must hold a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services. Research and industrial roles typically look for GMP or GLP training and relevant laboratory coursework or internship experience.
How much do microbiologies make in California?
Microbiologies in California earn a median of about $108,530 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,440 for the lowest 10% to over $183,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire microbiologys in California?
Employers hiring microbiologys in California right now include County of Monterey, CA, Abbott, and B. Braun, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense biotech corridor stretching from San Diego to the Bay Area means large pharmaceutical manufacturers, diagnostics companies, and public health agencies are consistently among the most active hirers year-round.
Which California cities have the most microbiology jobs?
Irvine, Temecula, and Camarillo have the most microbiology openings in California. San Diego and the Bay Area drive the bulk of demand through their established biotech and pharmaceutical hubs, while Los Angeles draws openings from hospital networks, environmental testing labs, and public health agencies serving one of the country's largest metro populations.
Are there remote microbiology jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Microbiology is fundamentally a bench and laboratory discipline, so most roles require physical presence to handle specimens, operate equipment, and maintain sterile environments. About 7% of microbiology openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions are typically in regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, or scientific writing rather than core laboratory work.
How can I get hired as a microbiology in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a laboratory technician or research associate role, which most California biotech and pharmaceutical employers fill from new graduates. Companies such as large San Diego and Bay Area contract research organizations regularly post associate scientist openings that require only a bachelor's degree and coursework-based lab skills. Completing the California Department of Public Health's Clinical Laboratory Scientist trainee program is a strong credential for those aiming at clinical diagnostics, and lateral moves from adjacent roles like phlebotomy technician or quality control inspector are common first steps.
Where can I find and apply to microbiology jobs in California?
You can find and apply to microbiology jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Microbiology Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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