Microbiologist

About BioTrace Scientific

BioTrace Scientific Inc is a new analytical testing laboratory launching in North Hollywood, California. We are building a state-of-the-art ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab from the ground up, focused on dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and botanical raw materials. This is a rare opportunity to join a small, motivated team at the very beginning and shape the microbiology function as the lab scales.

About the Role

The Microbiologist performs microbiological and molecular testing on botanical raw materials, dietary supplements, and nutraceutical products in accordance with validated methods, established SOPs, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. This role covers pathogen detection by qPCR, microbial enumeration, culture media preparation and quality control, and immunoassay testing.

Because the laboratory is in its build-out phase, this position also carries significant responsibility for establishing the microbiology department — contributing to equipment specification, writing SOPs, executing method validations, and supporting the laboratory through its initial accreditation assessment. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is comfortable working independently and building procedures where none currently exist.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological and molecular testing according to established SOPs, validated methods, and laboratory procedures
• Perform PCR and qPCR pathogen detection, including sample preparation, amplification, data analysis, and interpretation
• Perform microbial enumeration by plate count and membrane filtration
• Prepare, maintain, and quality-control microbiological culture media, reagents, and buffers, including growth promotion testing
• Perform ELISA and related immunoassay testing
• Perform microbial culture, enumeration, and identification
• Prepare and process botanical, dietary supplement, and environmental samples
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot real-time PCR platforms and associated laboratory equipment
• Accurately document, review, analyze, and interpret laboratory data
• Maintain complete and traceable technical records in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025
• Identify, investigate, and communicate out-of-specification and atypical results
• Support method development, verification, validation, and troubleshooting
• Contribute to writing microbiology SOPs and the laboratory biosafety manual
• Support equipment specification, installation, and qualification for the microbiology suite
• Establish and maintain the environmental monitoring program
• Participate in internal audits, corrective actions, nonconformance investigations, and proficiency testing
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, aseptic technique, and biosafety practices
• Collaborate with Quality and laboratory personnel across departments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• 2+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience
• Hands-on experience with PCR and qPCR, including troubleshooting and data interpretation
• Hands-on experience preparing, maintaining, and quality-controlling microbiological culture media
• Experience with microbial culture, enumeration, and identification
• Strong aseptic technique
• Demonstrated understanding of SOPs, method execution, documentation, and data integrity
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet testing deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited or other regulated laboratory environment
• Familiarity with 21 CFR Part 111 (dietary supplement cGMP)
• Familiarity with FDA BAM, USP <2021> / <2022>, or AOAC microbiological methods
• Hands-on experience with ELISA, including allergen testing
• Method validation and verification experience
• Environmental monitoring program experience
• Experience across multiple molecular and pathogen detection platforms — Bio-Rad, Agilent, bioMérieux, PathogenDx, Meridian Bioscience, or comparable

What We Offer

• Hourly rate: $26.00 – $32.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• The opportunity to build a microbiology department from the ground up and own its procedures, validations, and accreditation
• Direct involvement in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
• Hands-on work across microbiology, molecular biology, and immunoassay disciplines
• A small, motivated team where your work has visible impact