Microbiology Technician Jobs in California
Microbiology Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical laboratory testing, and food and beverage quality control across the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Major employers with lasting California operations include Genentech, Abbott Laboratories, and Quest Diagnostics. The most in-demand specialties are clinical microbiology, sterility testing, and environmental monitoring, with openings from entry-level associate technician roles up to senior QC positions. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Microbiology Technician jobs
MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!
Main Activities:
- Prepare sample for analysis by recording, weighing, and blending
- Write identification onto plates so that client and sample number can be tracked
- Pipette sample solution into tubes or plates according to the analysis process being performed
- Pour the agar into plates or tubes to begin the growth process
- Collect plates and place them in the incubator for the specified amount of time and temperature
- Prepare media and broth for use in pathogen testing as required
- Ensure that media and materials are prepared for the next testing sequence
- Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities
- Set up equipment and materials needed for analysis
- Read plates and tubes, as required, to determine the number of organisms in the sample
- Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process
- Perform necessary housekeeping duties in a timely manner, keeping the work areas and equipment clean and sanitized
- Must participate in cleaning schedule and maintain retain samples as required
- Adhere to all safety policies
- Responsibility to support laboratory management in the implementation maintenance, and improvement of the management system
- Perform other related tasks as needed
YOUR PROFILE
Profile (required education/qualification and professional background): HS Diploma and 1+ year relevant work,. The incumbent must have a basic knowledge of science to accurately perform testing procedures and obtain accurate results. A basic knowledge of personal computers is useful to accurately enter testing data and results. A basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies is necessary to ensure a safe working environment. Planning skills are useful to maintain supplies of analysis materials and ensure analysis is completed within specified time.
Required skills: Time management skills, ability to prioritize samples and tasks in a fast paced environment. Attention to detail. Analytical skills are essential to complete analysis procedures and determine the concentration of the microorganism. A general knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System is required to process client data. Physical dexterity is required for manipulating samples.
Work Environment: The incumbent works in a laboratory setting with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials will occur when in the laboratory. Safety equipment of gloves, laboratory coat and eyeglasses may need to be worn depending on the testing process. The incumbent may use the autoclave daily to complete the analysis process. Continuous lifting of analysis materials weighing up to 50 pounds are necessary to transport media materials. The incumbent can expect extended time spent in a standing position. The incumbent should be able to
detect slight variation in shades of colors.
Compensation: $20.00 - $21.00/ hourly USD
Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
- Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.
#LI-DNP
WHY JOIN US?
- Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
- Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 60 years of experience and expertise.
- Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
- Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
- Because you would grow in an international group of more than 10,000 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.
Ready for the journey?
MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!
Main Activities:
- Prepare sample for analysis by recording, weighing, and blending
- Write identification onto plates so that client and sample number can be tracked
- Pipette sample solution into tubes or plates according to the analysis process being performed
- Pour the agar into plates or tubes to begin the growth process
- Collect plates and place them in the incubator for the specified amount of time and temperature
- Prepare media and broth for use in pathogen testing as required
- Ensure that media and materials are prepared for the next testing sequence
- Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities
- Set up equipment and materials needed for analysis
- Read plates and tubes, as required, to determine the number of organisms in the sample
- Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process
- Perform necessary housekeeping duties in a timely manner, keeping the work areas and equipment clean and sanitized
- Must participate in cleaning schedule and maintain retain samples as required
- Adhere to all safety policies
- Responsibility to support laboratory management in the implementation maintenance, and improvement of the management system
- Perform other related tasks as needed
YOUR PROFILE
Profile (required education/qualification and professional background): HS Diploma and 1+ year relevant work,. The incumbent must have a basic knowledge of science to accurately perform testing procedures and obtain accurate results. A basic knowledge of personal computers is useful to accurately enter testing data and results. A basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies is necessary to ensure a safe working environment. Planning skills are useful to maintain supplies of analysis materials and ensure analysis is completed within specified time.
Required skills: Time management skills, ability to prioritize samples and tasks in a fast paced environment. Attention to detail. Analytical skills are essential to complete analysis procedures and determine the concentration of the microorganism. A general knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System is required to process client data. Physical dexterity is required for manipulating samples.
Work Environment: The incumbent works in a laboratory setting with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials will occur when in the laboratory. Safety equipment of gloves, laboratory coat and eyeglasses may need to be worn depending on the testing process. The incumbent may use the autoclave daily to complete the analysis process. Continuous lifting of analysis materials weighing up to 50 pounds are necessary to transport media materials. The incumbent can expect extended time spent in a standing position. The incumbent should be able to
detect slight variation in shades of colors.
Compensation: $20.00 - $21.00/ hourly USD
Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
- Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.
#LI-DNP
WHY JOIN US?
- Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
- Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 60 years of experience and expertise.
- Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
- Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
- Because you would grow in an international group of more than 10,000 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.
Ready for the journey?
See All 6 Microbiology Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Microbiology Technician JobsMicrobiology Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Microbiology Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in microbiology technician jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or a closely related life science
- ASCP or AMT certification as a medical laboratory technician or technologist preferred
- Hands-on experience with aseptic technique, culture preparation, and identification methods
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices and FDA-regulated laboratory environments
- Proficiency with laboratory information management systems and standard documentation protocols
- Strong knowledge of California Title 22 clinical laboratory regulations and compliance requirements
Microbiology Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a microbiology technician in California?
Clinical microbiology roles in California fall under the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services, which licenses clinical laboratory scientists and clinical laboratory technicians through a state exam. You need at minimum an associate degree in a biological science plus supervised training hours to sit for the California clinical laboratory technician license. For non-clinical settings such as pharma or food science, a bachelor's degree in microbiology or biology and relevant lab coursework is the standard hiring threshold.
Which companies hire microbiology technicians in California?
Employers hiring microbiology technicians in California right now include Mérieux NutriSciences, Lyons Magnus, and Sutter Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense concentration of biopharmaceutical firms in the Bay Area and San Diego, alongside large clinical laboratory networks and food manufacturers throughout the Central Valley, keeps demand for this role consistent year-round.
Which California cities have the most microbiology technician jobs?
Fresno, Salida, and Burbank currently have the most microbiology technician openings in California. The Bay Area's concentration of biotechnology and pharmaceutical headquarters drives the highest volume, while San Diego's genomics and specialty pharma cluster and Los Angeles's large hospital networks and food production companies account for most of the remaining demand.
Are there remote microbiology technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of microbiology technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which reflects how hands-on the core work is. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are data review, batch record analysis, and regulatory documentation tasks rather than bench laboratory work.
How can I get hired as a microbiology technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a laboratory assistant or microbiology associate role, which large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente, BioMarin, and major contract research organizations regularly post for candidates with a degree but minimal industry experience. Community college certificate programs in clinical laboratory science offered through California's Community Colleges system provide affordable credentials that satisfy the supervised-hours requirement for the state technician license, and lateral moves from roles such as laboratory aide, quality control associate, or phlebotomist are common stepping stones into full technician positions.
Where can I find and apply to microbiology technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to microbiology technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 6 Microbiology Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Microbiology Technician Jobs