Junior Microbiologist

Catalyst Path Consulting is recruiting suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position below:

Job Title: Junior Microbiologist

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Laboratory / Quality Control
Reports To: Senior Microbiologist / Laboratory Manager / QC Manager

Job Summary

• We are seeking a Junior Microbiologist to support routine microbiological testing and laboratory activities.
• The successful candidate will assist with sample preparation, microbial culturing, laboratory analysis, equipment maintenance, documentation, and inventory management while working under the supervision of senior laboratory personnel.
• The ideal candidate should have a strong foundation in microbiology, good laboratory discipline, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, hygiene, accuracy, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Sample Collection & Preparation:

• Collect, receive, label, and prepare biological, environmental, raw material, product, and other samples for microbiological testing.
• Ensure samples are handled, stored, and processed according to approved procedures.
• Prepare culture media, reagents, solutions, and other materials required for laboratory analysis.
• Maintain proper sample identification and traceability throughout the testing process.

Microbial Culturing:

• Culture and maintain bacteria, yeast, mold, and other microorganisms using approved laboratory procedures.
• Apply appropriate aseptic techniques to prevent contamination of samples, cultures, and work areas.
• Perform routine microbial enumeration and related testing under the supervision of senior laboratory personnel.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of microbial cultures and contaminated materials.

Laboratory Testing & Analysis:

• Perform routine microbiological tests, assays, staining procedures, and microscopic examinations as instructed.
• Assist with environmental monitoring and other routine microbiological testing where applicable.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment and instruments in accordance with approved procedures.
• Escalate unusual test results, contamination, deviations, or other abnormalities to the supervising microbiologist.

Laboratory Equipment & Work Area Maintenance:

• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize laboratory equipment, instruments, glassware, and work surfaces.
• Assist with routine calibration and performance checks of laboratory instruments.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained in good working condition.
• Report equipment faults or maintenance requirements promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and contamination-controlled laboratory environment.

Documentation & Data Management:

• Accurately record test results, observations, sample information, and laboratory activities.
• Maintain laboratory logs, equipment records, inventory records, and other required documentation.
• Assist in preparing routine technical summaries and laboratory reports.
• Ensure laboratory records are complete, legible, traceable, and properly maintained.
• Immediately report errors, deviations, or inconsistencies in laboratory records.

Laboratory Inventory Management:

• Monitor laboratory supplies, reagents, culture media, consumables, and other materials.
• Maintain appropriate inventory records and communicate replenishment requirements.
• Check expiry dates and storage conditions of laboratory materials.
• Ensure materials are properly labeled and stored according to applicable requirements.

Safety, GLP & GMP Compliance:

• Strictly follow laboratory safety procedures and applicable biosafety requirements.
• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing laboratory activities.
• Follow approved procedures for handling, decontamination, sterilization, and disposal of biological materials.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and laboratory cleanliness.
• Report spills, accidents, contamination incidents, and other safety concerns immediately.

Teamwork & Support:

• Work closely with Senior Microbiologists, Quality Control personnel, Production, and other relevant departments.
• Support senior laboratory staff with investigations, testing, and routine laboratory activities.
• Participate in laboratory improvement and quality initiatives.
• Maintain a professional and cooperative working relationship with colleagues.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned by Management or the supervising laboratory personnel.

Qualifications & Experience

• B.Sc. in Microbiology or a closely related biological science discipline.
• 0–2 years of relevant laboratory experience; fresh graduates with strong practical laboratory exposure may be considered.
• Basic understanding of microbiological techniques, microbial culturing, staining, microscopy, and aseptic practices.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety, GLP, and GMP principles is an advantage.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine microbiological procedures.
• Good documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Microbiological testing.
• Sample preparation and handling.
• Aseptic techniques.
• Microbial culturing.
• Microscopy and staining.
• Laboratory equipment handling.
• Documentation and data recording.
• GLP and GMP awareness.
• Laboratory safety and hygiene.
• Attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork and communication.
• Ability to follow SOPs and instructions accurately.

Salary
N150,000 – N200,000 monthly, depending on qualifications, relevant laboratory experience, and technical competency.