Microbiologist Job Description
Hire a practical, safety-focused laboratory microbiologist to run routine and investigative microbiological work across QC, R&D or clinical-support settings.
What does a Microbiologist professional do?
A microbiologist conducts laboratory analyses to detect, identify and quantify microorganisms, supports quality-control and research projects, maintains accurate records and follows health and safety and quality procedures.
Microbiologist job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Microbiologist
About the role
[Company Name] is recruiting a Microbiologist to carry out microbiological testing and investigations at our [Location] laboratory. You will perform culture-based and basic molecular assays, maintain equipment and records, follow GMP/GLP or local SOPs, support quality control and contribute to method troubleshooting and development. This is a [full-time/part-time] [permanent/fixed-term] role. Salary: [Salary Range]. Benefits: [List key benefits].
Key responsibilities
- Perform routine microbiological tests including sample preparation, culturing, isolation, colony counts, biochemical identification and microscopy according to SOPs
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, microscopes), complete routine calibrations and log maintenance activities
- Prepare media, reagents and sterile solutions using aseptic technique and maintain stock records
- Record and interpret test results accurately, enter data into laboratory systems and produce clear, auditable records
- Follow and help develop standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with local safety rules and quality systems
- Carry out environmental monitoring, contamination investigations and corrective actions as required
- Perform basic molecular techniques where required (e.g. DNA extraction, PCR) and escalate specialist work appropriately
- Participate in quality-control activities, proficiency testing and internal audits; raise non-conformances and contribute to CAPA activities
Essential skills and experience
- Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
- Practical laboratory experience performing aseptic technique, microbial culture and basic identification methods
- Good attention to detail with accurate record-keeping and data entry skills
- Knowledge of standard laboratory health and safety practices, including handling infectious material and waste disposal
- Ability to follow written procedures (SOPs) and laboratory quality systems
- Basic IT skills for laboratory data capture (spreadsheets; familiarity with LIMS is desirable but not essential)
- Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc) in microbiology or molecular biology or equivalent experience
- Experience with molecular methods (PCR/qPCR), microscopy techniques or automated identification systems
- Experience working to GLP/GMP/ISO standards or within accredited laboratories
- Registration with a professional body where applicable (for clinical roles) such as IBMS or HCPC
- Experience using a LIMS and electronic lab notebooks
- Previous experience in quality control, contamination investigations or method validation
What we offer
- [Pension scheme or employer pension contribution]
- [Annual leave entitlement + bank holidays]
- [Flexible working or hybrid options where available]
- [Professional development budget or paid training and certification]
- [Health & wellbeing benefits (e.g. private medical, EAP)]
- [Paid on-the-job training and career progression pathways]
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Microbiologist role?
Microbiologists perform laboratory testing to identify and quantify microorganisms, investigate contamination and support research, development or quality-control activities. They apply culture-based and increasingly molecular techniques, maintain laboratory equipment and records, and ensure work is completed safely and in line with procedures and quality systems. Microbiologists work across sectors including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental testing and academic research.
Core activities
Culture, identification, enumeration, environmental monitoring and routine molecular tests.
Safety & compliance
Operate within biosafety and waste-handling protocols and follow documented SOPs and quality systems.
Equipment
Use and maintain incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, microscopes and basic molecular instruments.
Team & impact
Work in small laboratory teams to deliver reliable data that supports product safety, regulatory compliance or research.
Typical Microbiologist responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Perform routine microbiological tests including
Perform routine microbiological tests including sample preparation, culturing, isolation, colony counts, biochemical identification and microscopy according to SOPs
Operate
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, microscopes), complete routine calibrations and log maintenance activities
Prepare media
Prepare media, reagents and sterile solutions using aseptic technique and maintain stock records
Record
Record and interpret test results accurately, enter data into laboratory systems and produce clear, auditable records
Follow
Follow and help develop standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with local safety rules and quality systems
Carry out environmental monitoring
Carry out environmental monitoring, contamination investigations and corrective actions as required
Perform basic molecular techniques
Perform basic molecular techniques where required (e.g. DNA extraction, PCR) and escalate specialist work appropriately
Participate in quality-control activities
Participate in quality-control activities, proficiency testing and internal audits; raise non-conformances and contribute to CAPA activities
Microbiologist skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
- Practical laboratory experience performing aseptic technique, microbial culture and basic identification methods
- Good attention to detail with accurate record-keeping and data entry skills
- Knowledge of standard laboratory health and safety practices, including handling infectious material and waste disposal
- Ability to follow written procedures (SOPs) and laboratory quality systems
- Basic IT skills for laboratory data capture (spreadsheets; familiarity with LIMS is desirable but not essential)
- Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
Useful where relevant
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc) in microbiology or molecular biology or equivalent experience
- Experience with molecular methods (PCR/qPCR), microscopy techniques or automated identification systems
- Experience working to GLP/GMP/ISO standards or within accredited laboratories
- Registration with a professional body where applicable (for clinical roles) such as IBMS or HCPC
- Experience using a LIMS and electronic lab notebooks
- Previous experience in quality control, contamination investigations or method validation
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Microbiologist job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be explicit about techniques
List the primary laboratory methods candidates must use day-to-day (e.g. culture work, PCR, microscopy) so applicants self-assess fit quickly.
State the environment
Clarify the sector (QC, R&D, clinical support, food testing) and whether the lab is accredited or follows GLP/GMP—this affects candidate expectations.
Describe shift patterns and PPE
If the role requires shift work, overtime or specific PPE (respirators, biological containment), state that clearly to avoid late-stage surprises.
Highlight development
Mention training, CPD and progression routes to attract applicants who want to build technical skills and careers in the lab.
Microbiologist salary considerations
We avoid quoting fixed market figures here. Pay for microbiologists varies widely depending on sector, seniority and responsibilities. When setting a salary, consider the technical skills required, regulatory responsibility and local labour market for scientific staff.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Microbiologist candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What samples and assays will I work with?
Candidates want to know if they'll handle clinical specimens, environmental swabs, food samples or production-line testing and which assays are routine.
What biosafety level and PPE are required?
Specify containment level, required vaccinations, PPE and any health surveillance to reassure applicants about safety expectations.
What are the working hours and shift patterns?
Be clear on core hours, shift rotations, weekend work and expectations for overtime or on-call duties.
What training and progression will be offered?
Explain available training, CPD support and typical career paths so candidates can judge long-term fit.
Is professional registration or specific certification required?
Clarify whether IBMS/HCPC registration or other certifications are mandatory for the role, particularly for clinical laboratory positions.
Where to post a Microbiologist job
For microbiologist vacancies use a mix of broad UK job boards for reach and specialist life-science or laboratory-roles boards to target technically qualified applicants. Also promote via professional networks (LinkedIn, relevant scientific societies), university careers services for early-career hires and local recruitment agencies or niche communities for highly skilled molecular or regulated-lab roles. Choose channels based on seniority and the specific techniques or sector expertise the role requires.
Related life sciences / laboratory job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Microbiologist job description FAQs
Do microbiologist roles require HCPC or IBMS registration?
Registration is generally required for clinical biomedical scientists working in NHS diagnostic laboratories. Industrial, food or environmental microbiologist roles do not usually require HCPC/IBMS registration, although professional membership or recognised certifications can be desirable.
How should I assess practical laboratory skills during recruitment?
Use a combination of targeted technical questions, practical assessments or observed tasks (where safe), and detailed reference checks focused on laboratory competence and compliance with SOPs.
What is an appropriate probation and training period?
Common practice is a 3–6 month probation with structured induction, supervised practical assessments and defined training milestones for key techniques and quality responsibilities.
Should I include a detailed list of instruments in the advert?
Yes — naming key instruments and techniques helps attract candidates with the right hands-on experience and reduces unsuitable applications.
How long should I advertise a microbiologist vacancy?
Advertise for 2–4 weeks for typical roles; extend or re-target via specialist channels if you need candidates with niche molecular or regulated-lab experience.
Ready to create your advert?
Use the template above to produce a clear job advert, tailor the essential skills and techniques to your lab, and choose advertising channels that match the role’s seniority and specialism.
