Microbiology Lab Technician

The Microbiology Lab Technician supports production and quality control activities in a cell culture laboratory environment. This role focuses on performing routine microbiology and cell culture tasks using biosafety cabinets and aseptic techniques, preparing and diluting solutions, processing samples, and documenting results with a high level of accuracy. The technician works within a regulated setting to help ensure product quality, maintains organized and safe work areas, and follows established procedures and schedules to keep operations running efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory work in a competent cell culture environment using biosafety cabinets and proper aseptic techniques.
• Prepare solutions and perform serial dilutions using shake flasks, pipettes, balances, and standard pouring techniques.
• Accurately pipette into plates, flasks, and tubes according to written protocols, batch records, and daily schedules.
• Process samples through centrifugation, including loading, operating, and unloading centrifuges, followed by appropriate transfers into designated containers.
• Support quality control activities by performing purity testing using plating methods such as agar plates, including pouring, streaking, and incubation.
• Read, interpret, and document plate results clearly and accurately, ensuring all data is recorded according to established procedures.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and legible laboratory records, logs, and documentation in compliance with internal standards and good manufacturing practices.
• Keep work areas well organized and clean, including proper setup before procedures and thorough cleanup afterward.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and laboratory best practices at all times.
• Maintain strong time awareness for all process steps to ensure tasks are completed within defined timelines and process windows.
• Promptly communicate when instructions, procedures, or timing are unclear in order to prevent errors and maintain product quality.
• Use standard laboratory equipment such as pH meters, conductivity meters, pipettes, and balances safely and effectively.
• Collaborate with production and operations team members on the production side to support daily workflow and priorities.
• Adapt to and adopt new technologies and technical processes aimed at improving laboratory quality, efficiency, and throughput.
• Engage professionally with team members on a daily basis, contributing to a cooperative and productive work environment.

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting working directly with biological materials, equipment, or similar processes.
• Proficiency with standard laboratory equipment, including pH meters, conductivity meters, and pipettes.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a microbiology or related laboratory environment following aseptic and safety practices.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and technical processes that improve quality and efficiency.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in pipetting, sample handling, and data recording.
• Ability to follow written protocols, SOPs, and schedules consistently.
• Effective communication skills to raise questions or concerns about instructions, timing, or procedures.
• Capability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive manual tasks in a laboratory setting.

• Associate degree in a relevant life sciences field such as molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques.
• Experience working with cell culture and demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique.
• Previous industry experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device environments.
• Experience working within an ISO-certified or similarly regulated environment.
• Familiarity with good manufacturing practice (GMP) principles in a laboratory or production setting.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks within defined timelines.
• Willingness to flex into other operational or production areas as business needs evolve.

This role is based in a production-focused laboratory environment on the operations side, with regular exposure to biological materials. Work is performed Monday through Friday on first shift, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break; a 7:00 a.m. start time may be considered if needed. The position requires the use of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses, and involves standing for extended periods and performing repetitive manual tasks. The technician works closely with a production supervisor and a team of approximately 10–12 colleagues, engaging directly with 3–4 team members on a daily basis. There may be opportunities to flex into other areas of the operation as needed. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to SOPs, organized workspaces, and collaborative teamwork in support of high-quality laboratory and production outcomes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Middleton, WI.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Middleton,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 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.