Staff Microbiologist

About Us

Kismet Technologies is an innovative antimicrobial nanotechnology manufacturing startup company focused on developing advanced materials and coatings with real-world impact across public health, industrial, and environmental applications. Our work bridges microbiology, engineering, manufacturing, and applied research to create next-generation antimicrobial solutions. As a growing startup, we value scientific rigor, adaptability, collaboration, and individuals who are motivated to help build new technologies in a fast-paced environment.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Staff Microbiologist to join our growing team. This role is ideal for a microbiologist with prior industry or applied laboratory experience who is comfortable working independently in a fast-paced BSL-2 research and manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on microbiology skills, experience generating reproducible data under timelines, and a solid understanding of applied research, aseptic technique, and laboratory documentation practices. This individual should be comfortable balancing independent project work with collaborative problem-solving in a small team environment. This role will support antimicrobial efficacy testing, method development, product evaluation, process scale-up, and quality-focused laboratory operations associated with antimicrobial nanotechnology products. 

This is an on-site position located in Lake Nona (Orlando), Florida, within a BSL-2 laboratory environment. Remote work is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Microbiological Testing & Research

• Design, execute, and interpret microbiological assays evaluating antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial, viral, fungal, and biofilm-forming organisms
• Perform microbial enumeration, contamination investigations, environmental monitoring, and microbial identification activities
• Conduct antimicrobial surface testing and durability evaluations using industry-relevant methods
• Support method development, optimization, and validation for microbiological and nano-enabled products
• Assist with experimental scale-up from laboratory research to pilot/manufacturing processes
• Analyze and document experimental data with strong attention to reproducibility and scientific rigor
• Troubleshoot microbiological workflows, instrumentation, and experimental variability
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, SOP adherence, and quality documentation practices

Laboratory Operations & Compliance

• Handle microorganisms and biological materials in accordance with BSL-2 laboratory standards
• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and contamination prevention practices
• Contribute to SOP development, revisions, and continuous process improvements
• Support quality investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions when needed
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted safely and in accordance with company and regulatory expectations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D, manufacturing, engineering, and leadership teams on product development initiatives
• Communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Contribute ideas and feedback within a collaborative startup environment while remaining adaptable to evolving project  priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on microbiology laboratory experience outside of academic coursework
• Minimum 2 years working within a BSL-2 laboratory environment
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, contract testing, applied R&D, pharmaceutical, medical device, or related microbiology environments strongly preferred
• Strong microbiological handling skills, including aseptic technique and BSL-2 laboratory practices
• Experience performing microbiological assays, microbial enumeration, dilution preparation, and laboratory troubleshooting
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments and maintain reproducible documentation practices
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously
• Ability to interpret experimental data and communicate findings effectively
• Familiarity with SOP-driven laboratory environments and quality-focused workflows
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis/statistical software (R Studio, MATLAB, etc)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antimicrobial efficacy testing (EPA, FDA, ISO, ASTM, or related methods)
• Ability to support environmental monitoring and field-based microbiological sampling
• Familiarity with cGMP, ISO, or regulated laboratory environments
• Experience with pilot-scale or manufacturing support activities
• Background in nanotechnology, advanced materials, or antimicrobial coatings
• Experience with method validation and disinfection investigations
• Familiarity with UV-Vis, microscopy, membrane filtration, or other analytical/laboratory instrumentation
• Experience working within a startup or fast-paced R&D environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods standing at laboratory benches or biological safety cabinets
• Ability to work safely with microorganisms, biological materials, acids, and chemical reagents
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on pioneering antimicrobial nanotechnologies with real-world impact
• Collaborative, mission-driven startup environment
• Direct involvement in innovative research and product development
• Professional growth opportunities across microbiology, nanotechnology, and manufacturing sectors
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

How to Apply

If you are a driven microbiologist interested in applied research, antimicrobial technologies, and working within a collaborative startup environment, we encourage you to apply!

Apply directly on our Career Page.

Please submit:

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter highlighting relevant industry microbiology experience
• References

We value scientific curiosity, integrity, teamwork, and individuals excited to help build technologies that positively impact communities and public health.