Microbiology Lab Technician

Microbiology Lab Technician

Job Description

The Microbiology Lab Technician supports a fast-paced microbiology laboratory by performing essential laboratory support activities rather than analytical testing. This role focuses on sample preparation, routine lab upkeep, and documentation to help ensure accurate results, regulatory compliance, and a clean, safe, and efficient laboratory environment. The position offers a clear growth path into higher-level microbiological testing, including PCR-based analyses, and provides valuable experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and LIMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily laboratory support functions, including stocking shelves, maintaining chemical inventory, sweeping floors, and cleaning workspaces to ensure a clean and organized lab environment.
• Conduct basic equipment checks such as testing pH and verifying balances according to established procedures.
• Register samples for testing orders, including weighing, diluting, and incubating samples, and preparing them for pathogen testing under appropriate guidelines.
• Operate autoclaves to sterilize materials and equipment, and clean and maintain glassware to support ongoing laboratory operations.
• Maintain a safe and orderly workstation by following laboratory housekeeping standards and promptly addressing any safety or contamination concerns.
• Provide documentation support as needed, ensuring that all records are accurate, complete, and compliant with laboratory requirements.
• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and follow all safety, laboratory, and company standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid contamination and maintain a safe working environment.
• Use aseptic technique and proper sample preparation methods to minimize contamination risk and support reliable microbiological testing.
• Record data and maintain precise documentation for all assigned tasks, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate effectively with a small laboratory team, take direction, and collaborate to prioritize daily tasks and workflow.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn, adapting to new methods, processes, and responsibilities over time.
• Participate in training for typical microbiology testing, with the opportunity to progress to higher-level PCR confirmation testing within 6–12 months based on performance and experience.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field, or a non-science degree with relevant experience considered.
• Completion of at least 2 Microbiology or Biology laboratory courses.
• Ability to perform repetitive, fast-paced laboratory support tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Comfort working on your feet for the majority of the day, demonstrating good time management and stamina.
• Capability to follow detailed safety, laboratory, and company SOPs and to adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Basic understanding of aseptic technique, sample preparation, and contamination control in a laboratory setting.
• Strong data recording and precise documentation skills to support traceable and compliant lab records.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a small lab team.
• Verified positive attitude and willingness to learn in a laboratory environment, supported by references.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in retail, customer service, or serving roles that demonstrates the ability to stand for extended periods, manage time effectively, work with others, and learn new tasks quickly.
• Familiarity with autoclaving procedures and basic laboratory equipment such as balances and pH meters.
• Exposure to or interest in working under ISO standards and GMP-regulated environments.
• Interest in gaining experience with advanced microbiological methods, including PCR analysis for food microbiology.
• Willingness to learn and use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Motivation to grow within a structured career path from Technician I to Technician II and Technician III based on performance.

Work Environment

This is a 100% laboratory-based position within an outsourced microbiology testing lab that handles a variety of products beyond dairy. The environment is fast-paced and highly controlled to prevent contamination, similar to a low-level clean room. Team members work on their feet for most of the day while performing sample preparation and laboratory support tasks. The lab operates under ISO and GMP-aligned practices, emphasizing Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), safety, and adherence to SOPs. The dress code includes full smock, lab coat, lab glasses, lab-appropriate shoes, jeans, and frequent handwashing to maintain a clean and safe environment. The typical schedule is either Tuesday through Saturday or Monday through Friday, depending on laboratory needs, with a rotating start time between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. that remains consistent week to week. Once trained, technicians may rotate into a schedule that includes working 2 to 3 Saturdays per month. The lab culture features strong leadership, low turnover, and a clear progression path from Technician I to Technician III, supported by performance-based advancement opportunities, profit sharing for permanent technicians, paid holidays, floating PTO days available from day one, and billable safe/sick pay

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mounds View, MN.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Mounds View,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 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.