- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Entry-Level
- Compensation
- $23.25–38.75/hour
- Posted
- Nov 3, 2026
About Estée Lauder Companies
The Estée Lauder Companies is a global leader in prestige beauty, founded in 1946 by Estée and Joseph Lauder and built on an enduring belief in creativity, high-touch service, and entrepreneurial spirit. As an employer, the Group offers talent the scale of an international house with the energy of distinctive brands across skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care. Its culture values innovation, inclusion, learning, and responsible growth, inviting professionals to shape consumer experiences from laboratory to counter, digital platform to boardroom. Employees join a purpose-led organization where heritage, artistry, and scientific excellence meet to define the future of luxury beauty.
Estée Lauder Companies is hiring a Microbiologist I in Melville, New York, to perform quality control microbiological testing of raw materials, bulk and finished products, water and environmental samples, alongside laboratory documentation and supply management. The role also supports quality escalation and continuous improvement, and pays $23.25–$38.75 hourly, with the exact rate depending on experience, skills, education and budget; the range may vary by geographic location.
Role & Responsibilities
- Conduct microbiological testing of raw materials, bulk product and finished goods in accordance with standard operating procedures and laboratory test methods.
- Monitor critical control parameters, including pH and balances, through daily equipment verification checks; alert the QC Lab Manager to out-of-trend events.
- Prepare media and reagents for microbiological testing.
- Collect environmental monitoring samples, including viable and non-viable air and surface samples.
- Conduct microbiological testing of water.
- Enter job-related information in LIMS and SAP.
- Review laboratory documentation.
- Receive supplies, perform inventory and stock the laboratory.
- Identify quality problems and escalate them to leadership.
- Communicate improvement opportunities to leadership.
- Make independent decisions in straightforward situations.
Qualifications
- Experience in a microbiology laboratory in Quality Control for a global consumer goods or pharmaceutical company.
- Conduct work in accordance with laboratory safety standards.
- Knowledge of laboratory testing techniques, including GMP, GDP and Good Laboratory Practices, and proficient use of laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, balances and pH meters.
- Knowledge of environmental monitoring sample collection, including viable and non-viable air and surface sampling.
- Proficient oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate information appropriately to management.
- Ability to write SOPs, deviations, change controls and OOS reports.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and manufacturing procedures preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP systems and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) preferred.
- Flexibility to work different shifts and overtime as needed.
- Ability to lift 35 lbs.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 2–3 years of applicable work experience.
Skills
Experience
2–3 years of applicable work experience; experience in a microbiology laboratory in Quality Control for a global consumer goods or pharmaceutical company.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Workplace
The role is situated in Melville, New York, USA — conveniently close to New York City.
Explore jobs in New York or in the USA.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 23.25 to USD 38.75 per hour.
Benefits
May be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, with potential for overachievement based on performance and company results; health insurance (medical, dental and vision), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Many benefits are subsidized or fully paid by the company.
Culture
The Estée Lauder Companies fosters a collaborative, inclusive workplace where creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and a passion for prestige beauty are deeply valued. As a global house of distinctive brands, it offers employees an environment that encourages innovation, professional growth, and a shared commitment to excellence and consumer inspiration.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Estée Lauder Companies, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Quality Control Microbiologist», «Microbiology Laboratory Technician», «Microbiological Testing Analyst», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.