Scientist 3 - Microbiology

Company: Pace Analytical Services
Location: Huntington Beach
Posted on: January 5, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives. This is an onsite, full-time Microbiology Scientist 3 position located in Huntington Beach, CA, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Compensation: $25.00 per hour SUMMARY: Responsible for providing or overseeing the analysis, administration, and oversight of comprehensive microbiology policies, programs, and practices; provides feedback and guidance regarding the analysis of materials, products, and/or devices utilizing very complex to specialized professional and technical knowledge of microbiology or related equipment, testing, and procedures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Provides complex to specialized analysis in support of various testing materials, products, and/or devices utilizing various analytical instrumentation; follows Standard Operating Procedures and methods to perform testing. Provides complex to specialized review, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of testing results. Overseeing or reviewing, completing, and processing a comprehensive range of microbiology forms, documents, databases, and related materials and information. Provides training and guidance on analytical tests, methods, and instrumentation, as required. Provides very complex to specialized analysis, interpretation, and counsel to staff, management, and functional leaders regarding microbiology policies, programs, and practices; involves broad operations and leading implementation and change. Provides broad research, feedback, and decisions to resolve management and employee questions and requirements; assists with receiving customer feedback and coordinating resources and responses as required. Analyzes and reviews very complex to specialized operations, results, feedback, and related microbiology information on an ongoing and as-needed basis to determine trends, draw conclusions, interpret findings, and presents results, proposals, and recommendations to management. Ensures the accuracy of broad tests, equipment, actions, procedures, and operational databases, reports, and related details through audits, queries, and operational reviews; works with teams to resolve discrepancies. Assists with developing or participating in microbiology or cross-functional project or program objectives, which include proposed budgets, timelines, materials, personnel, and other project requirements, receives direction, and presents information to management. Interprets and applies department policies and procedures and assists with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receives guidance within these areas as needed. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team. Promotes and supports the overall mission of Pace Analytical by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with customers and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in microbiology, or a closely related field; AND at least five (5) years of experience, including experience with specialized or technical programs or operations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Required Knowledge and Skills Required Knowledge: Very complex to specialized principles, practices, and techniques of microbiology. Broad understanding of the administration and oversight of microbiology programs, policies, and procedures. Very complex to specialized methods to resolve microbiology problems, questions, and concerns. Broad understanding of applicable microbiology laws, codes, and regulations. Understanding of broad testing tools, equipment, and calibration. Computer applications and systems related to the work. Principles and practices in serving as an effective project team member. Methods to communicate with staff, coworkers, and customers to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate operations. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Required Skills: Performing very complex to specialized professional-level microbiology duties in a variety of assigned areas. Overseeing and administering broad and varied microbiology functions. Training others in policies and procedures related to the work. Serving as a team member and the development and management of projects. Operating in both a team and individual contributor environment. Interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Preparing very complex to specialized functional reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Using initiative and independent judgment within established department guidelines. Use tact, discretion, and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work. Performing effective oral presentations to large and small groups across functional peers and the department. Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related items in a lab and sample setting. Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work. Benefits When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft. Equal Opportunity Employer Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Keywords: Pace Analytical Services, San Marcos , Scientist 3 - Microbiology, Science, Research & Development , Huntington Beach, California