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.
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Work Shift: Day shift with weekends required
The Target Pay for this position is $20.14 an hour. At Antech, pay decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, education, training and budget
Job Purpose/Overview
The Microbiology Laboratory Aide is responsible for the collection, identification verification, processing and preparing of microbiology samples.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Organize, prepare, and inoculate microbiology samples to a variety of media
Find missing specimens, reconcile queue list, print worksheets, and place them in labeled folders
Accurately label, inoculate and load MIC plates and load onto the instruments.
Screen Urine cultures
Accurately scan agar plates into location
Participate in Quality Assurance program by completing temperature, media and reagent logs as assigned. Perform QA duties such as temperature monitoring and reagent logs as assigned.
Library all samples
Maintain all equipment
Check and resolve queue list daily
Awareness of quality control and calibration
Crosstrain and develop knowledge of multiple specialties within department/lab.
Follows applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), including safety and quality procedures. Maintains clean and organized work area. Restocks supplies as needed
Participates in improving lab efficiency, quality, and cooperation
Consult with senior peers on non-complex tasks to learn through experience.
Performs other duties as assigned
We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization. Every Associate is responsible for asking questions, seeking guidance, and reporting concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards. Antech Diagnostics has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that Associates will have a commitment to integrity and uncompromising values.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent, 2 or 4-year degree in science-related field preferred.
Prior lab experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Laboratory skills, with experience setting up, running and operating lab instruments
Knowledge of medical and laboratory terminology and Microbiology procedures and equipment
General science background
Attention to detail and organized with ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Communication skills, both verbal and written.
Proficiency in the English language which allows for participation in team meetings, accurate entry of data into company systems and understanding of written directions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Positive, can-do attitude
Personal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft Office
Working Conditions
Stationary Position- must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to 2 hours.
Constantly operates a computer and other lab equipment accurately and efficiently.
Occasionally required to bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch
Required to lift, move, and carry up to 20 lbs.
The ability to observe details at close range
Extended hours may be needed
Laboratory environments with potential biohazards present that are mitigated by the mandatory use of PPE.
Work under close to moderate supervision.
Potential for exposure to agents known to cause zoonotic disease in humans and use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards. A complete list of such chemicals is available from department supervision.
About Antech
Antech is a leader in veterinary diagnostics, driven by our passion for innovation that delivers better animal health outcomes. Our products and services span 90+ reference laboratories around the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services.
Benefits
Antech offers an industry competitive benefits package and continues to invest in and evolve benefits programs that meet the health, wellness and financial needs of our associates.
Benefits eligiblity is based on employment status.
Paid Time Off & Holidays
Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available)
Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life
Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) with company match
Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement
Life Assistance Program
Pet Care Discounts
Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at Antech Careers .
Note to Search Firms/Agencies
Antech Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Antech) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Antech and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Antech will be deemed the sole property of Antech and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Antech.
See All 51 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



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Science & Research
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 Sutter Health, Scripps Research, and Certified, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Irvine 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 0% of microbiology openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 51 Microbiology Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Microbiology Jobs