Scientist Bacteriology

QuidelOrtho • San Diego, CA

4d • $100,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Opportunity QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic. Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all. The Role At QuidelOrtho, we’re advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Scientist Bacteriology to support microbiology and biorepository activities critical to diagnostic assay development, with a focus on bacterial pathogens and clinical specimen management. This role involves hands-on work with bacterial culture, strain qualification, and clinical sample processing, as well as contributing to assay feasibility, validation, and repository growth. The ideal candidate will bring strong laboratory skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work in a regulated, biosafety-driven environment while collaborating across R&D and cross-functional teams This position will be onsite full-time in San Diego, CA – Summers Ridge (Sorrento Valley) – HQ. NOTE: This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical Sciences, or related scientific discipline
• 7-10 years of laboratory experience in bacteriology, microbiology, or molecular assay development (industry experience preferred)
• Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485, design control) preferred
• Hands-on experience with bacterial culture, strain handling, and characterization
• Experience with molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, and assay optimization
• Familiarity with inclusivity/exclusivity studies, LoD studies, and validation protocols
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical or analytical tools
• Proficiency in maintaining laboratory documentation in compliance with quality system requirements
• Working knowledge of biosafety practices (BSL-2 MUST)

Responsibilities

• Designs, plans, and execution of bacteriology experiments with minimal supervision to support assay development, optimization, and validation activities
• Leads bacterial culture, characterization, strain qualification, and sample preparation activities in accordance with established protocols and study objectives
• Develop and optimize assay conditions (e.g., lysis methods, extraction workflows, amplification parameters, inclusivity/exclusivity testing) in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Independently analyzes experimental data, interprets findings, and provides recommendations to improve assay performance and robustness
• Investigates and troubleshoots assay performance issues related to bacterial targets, reagents, workflows, or instrumentation
• Maintains detailed, accurate, and well-organized laboratory notebook records in compliance with design control and quality system requirements
• Authors and contributes to technical reports, protocols, validation documentation, and study summaries supporting product development
• Leads or supports feasibility studies, inclusivity/exclusivity panels, limit of detection (LoD) studies, and verification/validation activities
• Contributes to development and qualification of QC standards, reference materials, and bacteriology-related test methods
• Participates in risk assessments (e.g., FMEA) and supports generation of product design documentation within regulated development environments
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Bioinformatics, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to support assay development and product readiness
• Supports technology transfer activities and provides technical expertise for bacteriology-related investigations during scale-up or manufacturing support
• Ensures compliance with internal quality systems, biosafety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Reviews scientific literature and emerging technologies related to bacterial pathogens, molecular targets, and diagnostic methodologies to inform assay development strategies
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians, research associates, or junior scientists as appropriate
• Maintains a safe laboratory environment and performs other duties as assigned
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level