Principal Scientist, Microbiology

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota, United States; onsite individual contributor role

Base salary: USD $138,123–$173,900 annually. Target annual bonus varies by role level.

Company

hirify.global is an independent scientific organization developing quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients through global scientific collaboration.

What you will do

• Provide scientific leadership for the microbiology reference materials and reference standards portfolio.
• Lead scientific studies, analytical method development, validation strategies, technology development, and product characterization.
• Identify, prioritize, and develop new microbiology reference materials and standards for the innovation pipeline.
• Lead cross-functional product development initiatives with scientific, production, quality, and documentary standards stakeholders.
• Advise on production investigations, root cause analyses, CAPAs, manufacturing scale-up, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor scientists and laboratory personnel while representing USP through publications, conferences, and industry working groups.

Requirements

• M.S. degree in Microbiology, Microbial Engineering, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with microbiology product development, pharmaceutical microbiology, microbial culture assays, molecular testing, or biochemical microbiology testing.
• Knowledge of microbiology data analysis, data trending, pharmaceutical industry practices, USP documentary standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent long-term projects and communicate technical information to scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Strong presentation, written communication, organizational, interpersonal, negotiation, and listening skills.

Nice to have

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a relevant field with 12+ years of microbiology experience.
• Experience with environmental monitoring, sterilization, biological indicators, disinfection validation, bioburden, endotoxin testing, and growth promotion testing.
• Experience working cross-functionally to assess market needs and deliver new products.
• Familiarity with WHO, FDA, ICH, and other international regulatory guidance.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-driven work supporting access to safe, high-quality medicines and public health standards.
• Inclusive and collaborative scientific environment with mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options.
• Retirement savings benefits and support for employees’ financial well-being.