Assistant Microbiologist I

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Pay and Shift

The hourly rate for this position is $26/hr + 5% shift differential. The shift and hours are 3:30pm-12:00am Sunday through Thursday.

Working at Abbott 

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: 

• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled  
• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance  
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plan 
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1 
• Vacation – 120 hours of accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 3 personal days + 10 paid holidays 
• Retiree Healthcare program 
• Robust 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match 
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree. 
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.  
• A stable company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities 
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.  

The Opportunity  

This position works out of our Sturgis, MI location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives. 

For over 70 years, Abbott’s Sturgis, Mich., has been impacting its community while producing products that provide essential nutrition to millions of families around the world. Working here, you’ll feel part of a family that is dedicated to making a difference and helping others. 

What You’ll Work On 

• Adequately display the knowledge and ability to carry out the sampling of Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) requirements and comply with the department objective.
• Apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and aseptic technique in the Microbiological sampling of EMP samples such as air samples, swabs, steam, and water.
• Adequately display the knowledge and ability to carry out testing functions of various pathogens such as Salmonella, Cronobacter, E.Coli, Staph aureus, etc.
• Be able to use aseptic technique in a controlled environment and use varying plating techniques to identify subject organisms.
• Learn quality system items to assist with batch release and quality assurance.
• Be able to work with fellow technicians, with a high degree of motivation, attention to important details with clear communication to all team members. This is important due to the high degree of responsibility where each person is heavily relied-upon for the success of the department.
• Prioritize tasks efficiently and complete all sampling at the required frequency.
• The Micro Technician reports directly to the Lab Supervisor/FLL and must be able to work with minimal supervision. The incumbent is responsible for complying with applicable Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), FDA, USDA, OSHA and Abbott regulations, policies, procedures or guidelines.
• Conduct sampling aseptically and safely per procedures.
• Perform environmental sampling in the production environment.
• Complete appropriate documentation for all samples collected.
• Ability to prepare tools and paperwork for sample collection
• Complete housekeeping responsibilities including waste disposal, general laboratory sanitation, etc.
• Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) performance and compliance through active participation and support of Abbott’s EHS Program.

You’ll be accountable for meeting our compliance standards including FDA, OSHA and Abbott policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED

• 1 year of appropriate college lab studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry or calculus) AND 2 years of laboratory experience OR 4 years' experience in a food or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• OR a Science related Associate's Degree with at least 1 year of appropriate college lab studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry or calculus), AND 1 year of related laboratory experience OR 2 years' experience in a food or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• OR a Science related Bachelor’s Degree with at least 1 year of appropriate college lab studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry or calculus).

• Working knowledge of operations in a GMP setting required
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Solid computer skills
• Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.
• Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects.
• Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Pre-Employment Inquiries and Citizenship | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov) 

Apply Now 

* Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year. 

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  www.abbottbenefits.com  

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity and Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity. 

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

The base pay for this position is $18.25 – $36.45 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.