Microbiologist

About BioTrace ScientificBioTrace 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 RoleThe 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 ResponsibilitiesPerform microbiological and molecular testing according to established SOPs, validated methods, and laboratory proceduresPerform PCR and qPCR pathogen detection, including sample preparation, amplification, data analysis, and interpretationPerform microbial enumeration by plate count and membrane filtrationPrepare, maintain, and quality-control microbiological culture media, reagents, and buffers, including growth promotion testingPerform ELISA and related immunoassay testingPerform microbial culture, enumeration, and identificationPrepare and process botanical, dietary supplement, and environmental samplesOperate, maintain, and troubleshoot real-time PCR platforms and associated laboratory equipmentAccurately document, review, analyze, and interpret laboratory dataMaintain complete and traceable technical records in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025Identify, investigate, and communicate out-of-specification and atypical resultsSupport method development, verification, validation, and troubleshootingContribute to writing microbiology SOPs and the laboratory biosafety manualSupport equipment specification, installation, and qualification for the microbiology suiteEstablish and maintain the environmental monitoring programParticipate in internal audits, corrective actions, nonconformance investigations, and proficiency testingMaintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, aseptic technique, and biosafety practicesCollaborate with Quality and laboratory personnel across departmentsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline2+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experienceHands-on experience with PCR and qPCR, including troubleshooting and data interpretationHands-on experience preparing, maintaining, and quality-controlling microbiological culture mediaExperience with microbial culture, enumeration, and identificationStrong aseptic techniqueDemonstrated understanding of SOPs, method execution, documentation, and data integritySelf-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiativeStrong attention to detail, organization, and time managementStrong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and meet testing deadlinesPreferred QualificationsExperience working in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited or other regulated laboratory environmentFamiliarity with 21 CFR Part 111 (dietary supplement cGMP)Familiarity with FDA BAM, USP <2021> / <2022>, or AOAC microbiological methodsHands-on experience with ELISA, including allergen testingMethod validation and verification experienceEnvironmental monitoring program experienceExperience across multiple molecular and pathogen detection platforms — Bio-Rad, Agilent, bioMérieux, PathogenDx, Meridian Bioscience, or comparableWhat We OfferHourly rate: $26.00 – $32.00 per hour, commensurate with experienceThe opportunity to build a microbiology department from the ground up and own its procedures, validations, and accreditationDirect involvement in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditationHands-on work across microbiology, molecular biology, and immunoassay disciplinesA small, motivated team where your work has visible impact