Microbiologist (Entry Level)

Quality Specialist – Microbiology

Job Description

The Quality Specialist – Microbiology performs daily microbiological testing and environmental monitoring to support safe, compliant manufacturing operations. This role works extensively in a sterile laboratory environment, executes microbiological methods according to SOPs and cGMP requirements, and maintains accurate documentation in both electronic and paper systems. The position offers significant exposure to method validation, finished goods evaluation testing, and USP-compliant testing within a growing microbiology team.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological testing under a sterile hood, including spread plate techniques, enrichment procedures, sub-culturing, gram staining, coagulation tests, AI20E testing, fungal identification through sub-cultures and staining, and microscope-based analyses.
• Conduct quality control testing of microbiology supplies, including growth promotion testing, to ensure media and reagents perform as expected.
• Execute water testing and other microbiological assays in accordance with established SOPs, GMP, and cGMP requirements.
• Complete all required documentation accurately in SAP and by hand, following SOPs and Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring detailed and traceable records of all testing activities.
• Perform scheduled environmental monitoring and swabbing in manufacturing areas, including production lines, to assess and maintain microbiological control.
• Collect and handle samples from the manufacturing floor, working closely with line and chemical operators to obtain swabs and other materials needed for testing.
• Coordinate the shipping of samples to third-party laboratories for outsourced testing, ensuring proper packaging, documentation, and chain-of-custody.
• Support finished goods evaluation testing and contribute to the validation of microbiological methods for all finished products as the laboratory expands its capabilities.
• Adhere strictly to aseptic techniques and cleaning/disinfection procedures to prevent contamination and ensure reliable test results.
• Collaborate with a small microbiology team across multiple shifts, maintaining clear communication and effective handoffs between shifts.
• Participate in training and development activities, applying feedback to continuously improve technical skills, documentation practices, and adherence to quality standards.
• Work independently in a small, enclosed microbiology lab, managing workload, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring timely completion of testing and monitoring activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology required; a master’s degree in a related field is also acceptable.
• Strong understanding of microbiology principles and laboratory practices gained through academic coursework or professional experience.
• Proficient aseptic technique, with a clear understanding of its importance in preventing contamination and ensuring accurate microbiological results.
• Solid knowledge of cleaning and disinfection procedures and their role in maintaining a controlled microbiological environment.
• Experience with detailed documentation and reporting, including accurate, legible, and compliant recordkeeping in both electronic systems such as SAP and paper-based formats.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in a laboratory or production environment.
• Ability to perform environmental monitoring activities, including swabbing and sampling in manufacturing areas.
• Capability to work independently in a small lab setting while also functioning effectively as part of a small, multi-shift team.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with operators on the manufacturing floor and to support clear communication between shifts.
• Comfort working in a role that requires strict adherence to SOPs, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with gram staining, spread plate techniques, and membrane filtration, whether obtained through academic laboratory courses or professional roles.
• Experience in microbiology, biology, or related fields from healthcare, veterinary, or other life sciences settings where aseptic technique and disinfection procedures are emphasized.
• Hands-on experience with coagulation tests, AI20E testing, fungal identification through sub-cultures and staining, and microscope-based microbiological analysis.
• Exposure to quality control activities in a laboratory environment, including growth promotion testing of microbiological media and supplies.
• Familiarity with USP-compliant testing and validation of microbiological methods for finished goods.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing or laboratory environment where GMP and cGMP standards apply.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new methods and technologies, apply feedback, and expand skill sets as the laboratory capabilities grow.

Work Environment

This role follows a Tuesday through Saturday schedule on the second shift, typically from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Initial training may occur on the first shift for approximately 2 to 4 weeks before transitioning fully to the second shift. The position is based in a sterile laboratory setting, working under a sterile hood for a significant portion of the day and spending about 30% of the time on the manufacturing floor to perform swabbing and sample collection. The microbiology lab is small and mostly enclosed, so candidates should be comfortable working independently and may at times feel isolated while still remaining part of a collaborative team. The broader operation runs first shift, second shift, and weekend shifts, with this role being part of a small team structure that includes two people on first shift and two on second shift. Collaboration and communication between shifts are critical, and the culture emphasizes teamwork, training, and development, particularly for newer team members. The environment provides opportunities to participate in lab expansion, gain experience with validation and USP-compliant testing, and broaden technical skills in a supportive, growth-oriented setting.

#ACTjobsTFS2026

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 Jun 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $24