Microbiologist

Job Title: Microbiologist

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Microbiologist to join our laboratory team. As a microbiologist, you will provide direction to lab technicians and ensure timely product release by performing microbiology quality control analyses in accordance with USP methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide microbiology support to enable timely product release.
• Perform microbiology QC analyses, including Total Aerobic and Anaerobic Plate Count, Total Yeast and Mold Count, Pathogen Screening, Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing, Suitability Testing, and Gram Staining.
• Conduct lab maintenance tasks such as media preparation, growth promotional tests, stock culture maintenance, and basic housekeeping.
• Validate procedures and apply Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and data recording for all laboratory QC test-related activities.
• Perform equipment preventive maintenance activities and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, including safety and attendance requirements.
• Develop laboratory procedures and personnel as needed, and perform other tasks as assigned.

Essential Skills

• 2-5 years of experience in a microbiology QC laboratory.
• Degree in Biology or Microbiology.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in pharma, OTC, personal care, or food industry.
• Familiarity with USP methods and criteria.
• Experience with GMP, cGMP, GLP, and GDP practices.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team player.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with microorganism growth promotion and maintenance.
• Familiarity with basic micro testing, including media preparation, plating, and culture sampling.
• Supervisory and leadership skills.

Work Environment

The position is based in a micro lab with a standard schedule of 8-5 Monday to Friday, with some overtime on Saturdays and occasional Sundays. Flexibility is required for early starts, late finishes, and weekend overtime to accommodate specific test requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elgin,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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