Quality Specialist - Microbiology

Job Title: Quality Specialist – Microbiology

Job Description

The Quality Specialist – Microbiology performs routine and advanced microbiological testing to support product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in a growing laboratory. This role works extensively in a sterile lab environment, conducts environmental and water testing, documents all activities in accordance with SOPs and GMPs, and supports validation and finished goods testing as the laboratory expands its capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily microbiological testing under a sterile hood, including spread plates, enrichments, sub-cultures, gram staining, coagulation tests, AI20E, fungi identification (fungal sub-cultures and staining), and microscope work.
• Conduct quality control testing of microbiology supplies, including growth promotion testing, to ensure reliability and accuracy of materials used in the lab.
• Carry out water testing following established SOPs and GMPs to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Complete detailed and accurate documentation of all testing activities in SAP and by hand, strictly following SOPs, GMPs, and data integrity requirements.
• Perform environmental monitoring and swabbing in manufacturing areas at scheduled times, ensuring proper aseptic technique and adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Coordinate shipping and handling of samples that require outsourced testing to third-party laboratories, ensuring proper labeling, documentation, and chain of custody.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently in all laboratory and sampling activities to prevent contamination and maintain sample integrity.
• Support validation activities for finished goods testing as the lab expands into more USP-compliant methods and broader finished product evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with team members across shifts to ensure clear communication, continuity of testing, and consistent application of procedures.
• Work independently in a small, enclosed microbiology lab, managing daily workload, prioritizing tasks, and escalating issues when necessary.
• Follow all safety, cleaning, and disinfection procedures in the lab and on the manufacturing floor to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology required; an advanced degree in a related field is also acceptable.
• Solid understanding of microbiology principles gained through academic coursework or laboratory experience.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic technique and its critical importance in preventing contamination during microbiological testing.
• Demonstrated understanding of cleaning and disinfection procedures in a laboratory, healthcare, veterinary, or related biological environment.
• Experience with detailed documentation and reporting, including the ability to complete records accurately by hand and in electronic systems such as SAP.
• Familiarity with working under SOPs and GMP or cGMP guidelines in a laboratory or regulated environment.
• Ability to work independently and maintain focus in a small, enclosed lab while managing multiple tests and tasks.
• Strong communication skills to support effective handoffs and collaboration between shifts and team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with gram staining, spread plate techniques, and membrane filtration, including experience gained through academic laboratory courses.
• Experience in quality control testing within a laboratory setting, particularly related to microbiology supplies and growth promotion testing.
• Experience in biology, microbiology, healthcare, veterinary science, or a related field that includes microbiology coursework.
• Experience with environmental monitoring and swabbing in manufacturing or controlled environments.
• Familiarity with USP-compliant testing methods and validation activities is a plus.
• Comfort working with and around manufacturing and chemical operations while performing sampling and environmental monitoring.

Work Environment

This position follows a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, working primarily on second shift from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Initial training may occur on first shift for approximately 2 to 4 weeks before transitioning fully to the second shift schedule. The role is based in a sterile microbiology laboratory, working frequently under a sterile hood and using standard microbiological equipment and techniques. Approximately 30% of the time is spent on the manufacturing floor collecting swabs and samples, which requires comfort working near production lines and with chemical operators. The microbiology lab is small and mostly enclosed, so the ability to work independently and remain productive when working alone is important. The broader operation runs first, second, and weekend shifts, with a small micro team structure (for example, two people on first shift and two on second shift), fostering close collaboration and communication. The culture emphasizes teamwork, strong communication between shifts, and a focus on training and development for newer team members. The environment supports skill expansion, exposure to validation and USP-compliant testing, and participation in a lab that is actively growing and undergoing expansion.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 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.