Microbiology Lab Technician

The Microbiology Lab Technician supports a fast-paced microbiology laboratory by performing essential laboratory support functions that keep testing operations running smoothly. This role focuses on sample handling, preparation, and general lab support rather than analytical interpretation, and offers clear opportunities for advancement into higher-level testing such as PCR analysis. The position is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, collaborating with a small lab team, and developing a long-term career in food microbiology and regulated laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory support activities, 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 to support accurate laboratory operations.
• Register samples for testing orders and perform sample preparation tasks, including weighing, diluting, and incubating samples, as well as preparing samples for pathogen testing.
• Operate autoclaves to sterilize equipment and materials, and clean and maintain glassware to support aseptic laboratory practices.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, and contamination-free workstation by following established procedures and good housekeeping practices.
• Provide documentation support as needed, ensuring that all data, records, and logs are accurate, complete, and compliant with laboratory standards.
• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and follow all safety, laboratory, and company standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment.
• Follow ISO and other applicable quality standards to support consistent and reliable microbiological testing.
• Communicate effectively with a small laboratory team, take direction, and help prioritize tasks to meet testing timelines and operational needs.
• Apply proper sample preparation and aseptic techniques to prevent contamination and ensure reliable test results.
• Maintain precise, detailed, and timely documentation of all laboratory activities, including sample handling and preparation steps.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn new techniques, technologies, and processes within the laboratory.
• Participate in training on higher-level microbiological testing methods, including PCR-based confirmation analysis, as experience and performance allow.
• Support the implementation and use of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) by accurately entering and managing sample and test data.
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive laboratory culture with low turnover by working well with others and upholding high professional standards.

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field, or a non-science degree with strong demonstrated interest and aptitude for laboratory work.
• Completion of at least two Microbiology or Biology laboratory courses, providing hands-on lab experience.
• Ability to perform repetitive, fast-paced laboratory support tasks with consistency and attention to detail.
• Experience or strong comfort with being on your feet for extended periods of time, such as from retail, customer service, or serving roles.
• Demonstrated positive attitude and willingness to learn in a laboratory environment, supported by references.
• Ability to follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately and consistently.
• Strong focus on aseptic technique and contamination control during sample preparation and handling.
• Capability to maintain precise, accurate, and complete documentation and data records.
• Effective communication skills to work closely with a small lab team and take direction.
• Basic familiarity with or ability to learn autoclaving procedures, equipment checks (such as pH and balances), and safe handling of laboratory materials.
• Solid time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Interest in developing skills in advanced microbiological testing, including PCR-based confirmation analysis.
• Willingness to gain experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulatory environments, which is highly transferable to future roles.
• Interest in learning and working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Background in retail, customer service, or hospitality that demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Comfort working under ISO and other quality system standards.
• Motivation to grow within a structured career path from Technician 1 to Technician 2 and Technician 3, based on performance.
• Reliability and flexibility to work varying start times and occasional weekend rotations as laboratory needs require.

This role 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 avoid contamination, operating similarly to a low-level clean room. The lab follows ISO and GLP standards and emphasizes strict adherence to safety and quality procedures. Technicians spend the majority of the day on their feet performing hands-on tasks such as sample preparation, autoclaving, and cleaning. The dress code includes a full smock, lab glasses, lab coat, lab shoes, and jeans, along with frequent handwashing to maintain aseptic conditions. The schedule typically follows either a Tuesday through Saturday or Monday through Friday workweek, 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 two to three Saturdays per month. The laboratory offers a supportive culture with low turnover, clear advancement opportunities from Technician 1 to Technician 3, and exposure to sophisticated food microbiology testing, including PCR processes, GMP environments, and LIMS. Benefits for permanent technicians include paid holidays, floating PTO days available from day one, safe/sick pay, and profit-sharing based on company and individual performance, with contractor tenure counting toward profit-sharing eligibility.

Job Type & Location

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 Jun 23, 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 : $18