Staff Microbiologist

Kismet Technologies•Orlando, FL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Kismet Technologies is an innovative antimicrobial nanotechnology manufacturing startup company focused on developing advanced materials and coatings with real-world impact across public health, industrial, and environmental applications. Our work bridges microbiology, engineering, manufacturing, and applied research to create next-generation antimicrobial solutions. As a growing startup, we value scientific rigor, adaptability, collaboration, and individuals who are motivated to help build new technologies in a fast-paced environment. We are seeking a motivated and experienced Staff Microbiologist to join our growing team. This role is ideal for a microbiologist with prior industry or applied laboratory experience who is comfortable working independently in a fast-paced BSL-2 research and manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on microbiology skills, experience generating reproducible data under timelines, and a solid understanding of applied research, aseptic technique, and laboratory documentation practices. This individual should be comfortable balancing independent project work with collaborative problem-solving in a small team environment. This role will support antimicrobial efficacy testing, method development, product evaluation, process scale-up, and quality-focused laboratory operations associated with antimicrobial nanotechnology products. This is an on-site position located in Lake Nona (Orlando), Florida, within a BSL-2 laboratory environment. Remote work is not available for this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline
Minimum 3 years of hands-on microbiology laboratory experience outside of academic coursework
Minimum 2 years working within a BSL-2 laboratory environment
Experience in industrial, manufacturing, contract testing, applied R&D, pharmaceutical, medical device, or related microbiology environments strongly preferred
Strong microbiological handling skills, including aseptic technique and BSL-2 laboratory practices
Experience performing microbiological assays, microbial enumeration, dilution preparation, and laboratory troubleshooting
Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments and maintain reproducible documentation practices
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously
Ability to interpret experimental data and communicate findings effectively
Familiarity with SOP-driven laboratory environments and quality-focused workflows
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis/statistical software (R Studio, MATLAB, etc)

Nice To Haves

Experience with antimicrobial efficacy testing (EPA, FDA, ISO, ASTM, or related methods)
Ability to support environmental monitoring and field-based microbiological sampling
Familiarity with cGMP, ISO, or regulated laboratory environments
Experience with pilot-scale or manufacturing support activities
Background in nanotechnology, advanced materials, or antimicrobial coatings
Experience with method validation and disinfection investigations
Familiarity with UV-Vis, microscopy, membrane filtration, or other analytical/laboratory instrumentation
Experience working within a startup or fast-paced R&D environments

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and interpret microbiological assays evaluating antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial, viral, fungal, and biofilm-forming organisms
Perform microbial enumeration, contamination investigations, environmental monitoring, and microbial identification activities
Conduct antimicrobial surface testing and durability evaluations using industry-relevant methods
Support method development, optimization, and validation for microbiological and nano-enabled products
Assist with experimental scale-up from laboratory research to pilot/manufacturing processes
Analyze and document experimental data with strong attention to reproducibility and scientific rigor
Troubleshoot microbiological workflows, instrumentation, and experimental variability
Maintain accurate laboratory records, SOP adherence, and quality documentation practices
Handle microorganisms and biological materials in accordance with BSL-2 laboratory standards
Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and contamination prevention practices
Contribute to SOP development, revisions, and continuous process improvements
Support quality investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions when needed
Ensure laboratory activities are conducted safely and in accordance with company and regulatory expectations
Work closely with R&D, manufacturing, engineering, and leadership teams on product development initiatives
Communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Contribute ideas and feedback within a collaborative startup environment while remaining adaptable to evolving project priorities