Food Microbiologist

Job#: 3031946

Job Description:

Seeking a Scientist (Food Microbiologist) to join a company in Richmond, VA.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Microbiologist to support a public health laboratory focused on food safety, environmental testing, and outbreak response.

This role plays a critical part in protecting public health by identifying microorganisms in food and environmental samples and supporting surveillance and emergency response initiatives.

This is a hands‑on laboratory position ideal for microbiologists who have experience outside of academia and are comfortable working in a regulated, high‑impact lab environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing on food and environmental samples
• Process and analyze samples in accordance with chain‑of‑custody and regulatory requirements
• Identify microorganisms related to food safety, surveillance, and outbreak investigations
• Support routine testing as well as high‑priority public health response work
• Document results accurately and follow all laboratory safety and compliance standards
• Collaborate with a team of scientists in a fast‑paced public health lab setting

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Medical Technology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline

• 2-5+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience in:

• Food microbiology and/or

• Environmental microbiology

• Experience working with food samples, environmental samples, or evidentiary samples

• Strong understanding of laboratory best practices, documentation, and compliance

• Ability to work onsite and adhere strictly to lab safety and professional standards

Technical Skills & Experience

• Microbiology plating and organism identification
• Experience with MALDI (primary system used)
• PCR‑based methods
• Familiarity with regulated or public health laboratory environments
• BSL‑3 experience a plus, but not required

Work Environment & Schedule

• Onsite public health laboratory
• Standard daytime schedule (approximately 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM)
• Business‑casual dress, with strict lab safety policies
• This role requires professionalism, reliability, and strong attention to detail

Why This Opportunity

• Direct contribution to public health and food safety
• Long‑term, stable assignment (12 months minimum)
• Work in a mission‑driven laboratory environment
• Opportunity to build highly specialized experience in food and environmental microbiology

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or 844-463-6178

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

Employee Type:

Contract

Location:

Richmond, VA, US

Job Type:

Date Posted:

April 24, 2026

Pay Range:

$31 - $38 per hour

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