Clinical and Applied Microbiologist

Join a Laboratory Where Microbiology Goes Beyond the Routine

Microbiology Specialists Inc. (MSI) is seeking an ASCP-certified or equivalently certified Clinical & Applied Microbiologist to join our diversified microbiology laboratory in Houston, Texas. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career microbiologist who wants to develop expertise beyond the traditional clinical laboratory. MSI provides microbiological testing and services across a broad range of disciplines, including clinical and veterinary microbiology, environmental microbiology, clinical trials involving antimicrobial agents and medical devices, cleanroom testing, and USP microbiological testing. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in microbiology who is scientifically curious, technically capable, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.

What You’ll Do

• Culture, isolation, identification, and characterization of microorganisms from clinical, veterinary, environmental, pharmaceutical, and other sources
• Perform and interpret antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Perform microbial identification using conventional methods, automated systems, MALDI-TOF, and other appropriate technologies
• Participate in clinical trials involving antimicrobial agents and medical devices
• Perform microbiological testing associated with medical devices and pharmaceutical products
• Perform environmental monitoring and microbiological evaluation of cleanrooms and controlled environments
• Perform microbiological testing according to applicable USP methods and requirements
• Investigate unusual organisms, unexpected results, and testing discrepancies
• Perform and document quality-control procedures
• Assist with method verification, validation, development, and troubleshooting
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and technical documentation
• Follow established SOPs, quality systems, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards
• Communicate effectively with laboratory management, technical staff, clients, and other professionals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related discipline
• Current ASCP certification or equivalent nationally recognized certification
• 0–5 years of professional microbiology laboratory experience
• Strong foundation in microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate work
• Good analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn across multiple areas of microbiology

Recent graduates who meet the certification requirements are encouraged to apply.

Experience That Is a Plus

• Clinical or veterinary diagnostic microbiology
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• MALDI-TOF microbial identification
• Environmental microbiology
• Pharmaceutical or medical-device microbiology
• Cleanroom environmental monitoring
• USP microbiological testing
• Clinical trials
• Method verification and validation
• Quality systems or regulated laboratory environments

Compensation, Benefits & Schedule

• Salary: $65,000–$75,000 annually, based on experience
• Health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Full-time employment
• Rotating weekend schedule approximately every third weekend

Why MSI?

Many microbiology positions focus on one narrow area of testing. Ours does not.

At MSI, you will work across clinical, veterinary, environmental, pharmaceutical, and medical-device microbiology while gaining hands-on experience with antimicrobial testing, clinical trials, controlled environments, USP methods, and other specialized applications. For a recent graduate or early-career microbiologist, this is an opportunity to build an unusually broad technical foundation while working alongside experienced microbiologists. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who wants to understand the microbiology behind a result, not simply generate a test result. If you are scientifically curious, enjoy solving microbiological problems, and want a position where you can continue to learn, develop your skills, and grow professionally, we would like to hear from you.