Microbiologist II, I

State of Utah • Taylorsville, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Laboratory Services at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional for a Microbiologist I or Microbiologist II position. This role provides critical support to our Dairy, Meat, and Specialized Product testing programs. The ideal candidate possesses a bachelor's degree in microbiology and experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and ISO 17025:2017 standards. Candidates with degrees in biology or chemistry who have relevant microbiological laboratory experience are also strongly encouraged to apply. We are looking for an individual with exceptional integrity, strong technical proficiency, and outstanding interpersonal skills.

Dairy Section: Tests dairy products in partnership with the FDA in accordance with the Grade-A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Testing parameters include bacterial, coliform, and somatic cell counts, drug residue detection, and pasteurization efficiency evaluation.

Meat Section: Tests meat products in partnership with the USDA, focusing on pathogen detection via qPCR and isolation via culture methods.

Specialized Products Section: Conducts regulatory and investigative testing for medical cannabis, industrial hemp, and kratom products. Analyses include bacterial and yeast/mold enumeration, as well as pathogen detection via qPCR.

Pursuant to Utah Code §§ 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arise from or directly relate to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Duties may require conduct which is in violation of the criminal laws of the United States with respect to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cannabis. As a condition of employment, candidates who are selected to fill this position will be required to sign an Acceptance of Duties Under the Medical Cannabis Act Acknowledgment Form.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
• Knowledge of chemical and microbiological terminology and safety standards.
• Ability to adhere strictly to established laboratory safety guidelines, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
• Ability to execute essential laboratory operations, including temperature tracking, solution preparation, data entry and reporting, and equipment maintenance.
• Strong time-management, communication, and collaborative teamwork abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with microbiological techniques, including plate counts, qPCR, and culture isolation.
• Proficiency in laboratory calculations for reagent preparations and sample dilutions.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 standards, GLP, and laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiological analysis, data reporting, and quality control following ISO 17025 and GLP standards.
• Support dairy, meat, and specialized product testing programs in collaboration with laboratory staff.
• Prepare and process samples for testing, including weighing, serial dilutions, media preparation, and culture isolation.
• Maintain complete, accurate documentation of procedures and quality control checks.
• Perform routine lab operations, equipment maintenance, solution preparation, and environmental monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and state/federal regulations.
• Apply and explain relevant statutes, guidelines, and agency policies to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Generate analytical reports and defend laboratory data in legal or administrative proceedings as needed.
• Safely handle pathogens and regulated substances in accordance with safety protocols.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level