Microbiologist II

Job Title - Microbiologist II, I

FT / PT Status – Full-time

Benefits Eligibility – Yes

Salary – $29.01 - $43.60

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office

Final date to receive applications – 10-2-26

* This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Division of Laboratory Services at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food(UDAF) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional for aMicrobiologist 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 withthe 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 andyeast/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 arisefrom 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.

Pursuant to Utah Code §§ 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arisefrom 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.

• 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.

• Bachelor'sdegree in Microbiology, biology, chemistry or a…