Principal Microbiologist
Current Location: Stamford, Connecticut
Future Location: Trumbull, Connecticut
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior / Principal-Level Technical Expert
Work Arrangement: Onsite
The role is currently associated with Stamford, Connecticut, with an anticipated transition to the company’s Trumbull R&D Center in the second half of 2027.
The position will be onsite at Trumbull after the laboratory relocation. Candidates should be comfortable with the future work location. No relocation benefits will be provided for the move.
Required Experience: 10+ years of relevant industry experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related biological science
The Principal Microbiologist will serve as a technical leader in microbiology across multiple product categories, supporting product development, supply chain, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.
The role focuses on product preservation, antibacterial efficacy, microbiological risk assessment, and claims substantiation. The successful candidate will oversee complex microbiological studies, interpret applicable FDA requirements and global regulatory guidance, and translate scientific findings into actionable business decisions.
As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Microbiologist will also mentor junior scientists, strengthen laboratory capabilities, lead strategic technical initiatives, and represent the organization in external industry forums.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related biological science.
- At least 10 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology.
- Demonstrated expertise in antibacterial product development, product preservation, and regulatory compliance.
- Deep knowledge of FDA regulatory frameworks and their application to product development and claims.
- Proven experience designing and leading complex microbiological studies.
- Ability to interpret study results and translate findings into defensible business decisions.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing microbiology, hygiene systems, and microbiological risk management in production environments.
- Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and strategic thinking capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Microbiology or a related biological science.
- Experience with preservative efficacy testing, time-kill studies, and Healthcare Personnel Handwash testing.
- Experience supporting antibacterial claims and regulatory substantiation.
- Experience improving microbiology laboratory capabilities.
- Experience representing an organization in external scientific or industry forums.