Microbiology Jobs in Illinois
Microbiology jobs in Illinois draw consistent demand across pharmaceutical manufacturing, food safety testing, public health, and academic research, with openings at every level from lab technician through principal scientist and senior researcher. Chicago, the North Shore suburbs, and the Champaign-Urbana corridor are the primary hiring centers, home to major employers such as Abbott Laboratories, Kraft Heinz, and the University of Illinois system. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois right now are quality control microbiology, clinical microbiology, and environmental testing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- Department: Specialty Lab
- Schedule: Full Time Nights 10:30p-7a
- Facility: Prime Healthcare St Francis Hospital
- Location: Evanston, IL 60201
Preferences Specific To This Position:
- Clinical Lab experience in a hospital environment
- Experience with microbiology automation
- Biomerieux microbiology equipment experience
- Comfortable working with high volumes of samples
1. Possession of a current and valid state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or limited state ClinicalLaboratory Scientist license as a Microbiologist Specialist if the laboratory is located in a state where required.
Preferences Specific To This Position:
- Clinical Lab experience in a hospital environment
- Experience with microbiology automation
- Biomerieux microbiology equipment experience
- Comfortable working with high volumes of samples
The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/
See All 22 Microbiology Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Microbiology JobsMicrobiology Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Microbiology Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in microbiology jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in microbiology, biology, or a closely related life science
- Hands-on laboratory experience with aseptic technique and culture methods
- Familiarity with GMP or GLP compliance standards in regulated Illinois industries
- Proficiency with standard microbiology instruments including PCR, ELISA, and microscopy
- Strong documentation habits and experience maintaining accurate laboratory records
- Ability to interpret and communicate results clearly to cross-functional teams
Microbiology Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a microbiology in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a microbiologist, so the path centers on education and credentials. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or a related science from an accredited program, with employers at Illinois universities and pharmaceutical companies often preferring a master's or doctorate for research roles. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology strengthens candidacy for clinical and public health laboratory positions in Illinois.
How much do microbiologies make in Illinois?
Microbiologies in Illinois earn a median of about $92,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $59,780 for the lowest 10% to over $127,300 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire microbiologys in Illinois?
Employers hiring microbiologys in Illinois right now include Mérieux NutriSciences, Endeavor Health, and Fresenius Kabi USA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, food and beverage manufacturers, and academic medical centers means demand is spread across multiple industries rather than a single sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most microbiology jobs?
Evanston, Crete, and Chicago account for the most microbiology openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its density of hospital systems, biotech firms, and food science companies, while suburban areas like North Chicago and Abbott Park generate significant openings tied to large pharmaceutical campuses, and Champaign-Urbana draws demand from University of Illinois research programs and affiliated biotech startups.
Are there remote microbiology jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Microbiology is a hands-on, lab-based field, and most roles require physical presence to handle samples, operate equipment, and maintain sterile environments. About 100% of microbiology openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be in regulatory affairs, scientific writing, or data analysis functions rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a microbiology in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a quality control technician role at one of Illinois's many food manufacturing or pharmaceutical facilities, where employers routinely hire candidates with a bachelor's degree and limited lab experience. Abbott Laboratories and Kraft Heinz both run rotational and new-graduate programs from their Illinois sites. Building experience through a university research assistantship, particularly through the University of Illinois or Northwestern, and earning an ASCP certification early significantly improves candidacy.
Where can I find and apply to microbiology jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to microbiology jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 22 Microbiology Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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