Microbiologist - Associate

Microbiologist (Associate) — ISO/IEC 17025 Cannabis Testing Lab

Location: Tucson, AZ (on-site)
Schedule: Full-time, Mon–Fri
Reports to:  Lab Director
Level: Associate / Microbiologist I–II (slightly above entry level; strong entry-level candidates welcome)

About the Role

Join Full Spectrum Lab, an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited lab serving Arizona’s cannabis and hemp industry. You’ll perform microbiological safety testing across diverse matrices (flower, concentrates, edibles, beverages, topicals, and environmental swabs) and help us deliver accurate, defensible results on time.

Responsibilities

• Run microbiology methods aligned to AOAC/USP/FDA-BAM and Arizona State Department of Health rules:

  • Pathogens: Salmonella spp., STEC

  • Fungal targets: Aspergillus spp. ( A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus )

  • Environmental monitoring & indicators: TYMC/TAC, coliforms/Enterobacteriaceae, BTGN

• Execute and troubleshoot qPCR (e.g., AriaMX or similar), enrichments, plating/Petrifilm; interpret Cq values and growth results with defined acceptance criteria.

• Prepare media/reagents; maintain cultures and positive/negative/IPC controls; follow aseptic technique in a BSL-2 environment.

• Document work in LIMS with full traceability; contribute to report review and release.

• Support method verification/validation (selectivity, recovery, LoD/LoQ, ruggedness) and uncertainty inputs.

• Maintain/calibrate pipettes, incubators, biosafety cabinets, thermometers, autoclaves, and qPCR instruments (basic IQ/OQ/PQ tasks).

• Participate in OOS/CAPA investigations, proficiency testing, internal audits, and continual improvement under ISO/IEC 17025.

• Help train technicians and cross-train with Chemistry as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field (M.S. a plus).

• 0–3+ years hands-on microbiology in an accredited/regulated lab (ISO 17025/CLIA/FDA/USDA/pharma) or equivalent internships/co-ops.

• Competency with qPCR and culture-based workflows; strong aseptic technique and contamination control.

• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 concepts (verification/validation, traceability, equipment control, records, impartiality).

• Comfortable with LIMS and good documentation practices (ALCOA+).

• Able to lift 30+ lb and stand for extended periods in a fast, high-throughput setting.

Nice to Have

• Cannabis/hemp matrix experience (Arizona ADHS awareness).

• Environmental monitoring program experience.

• SOP authorship and basic statistics (control charts, trend reviews).

• Prior use of Confident LIMS or AriaMX.

What Success Looks Like

30 days: Trained on SOPs/LIMS; independently running core qPCR and culture workflows.
90 days: Cross-trained on all matrices; zero late results; contributing small CAPA/5S wins.
180 days: Acting SME for a method area; supporting PT and validations with reduced reruns/contamination.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $60,000 per year

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; paid time off; company holidays

Work Environment & Safety

• BSL-2 procedures, PPE compliance, chemical and biohazard waste handling per SOPs and state regulations.

Equal Opportunity

We’re an equal opportunity employer and committed to a safe, inclusive workplace.