Microbiology Lab Technician

The Microbiology Lab Technician performs routine and specialized microbiological testing to support a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. This role focuses on environmental monitoring, utilities and water system testing, classical microbiological identification, and validation activities, while ensuring accurate data entry, trending, and GMP-compliant documentation. The technician works cross-functionally within the laboratory, adheres to strict safety and quality standards, and supports ongoing qualification, inspection, and continuous improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform environmental monitoring of classified areas using active and passive air sampling methods and RODAC or swab surface sampling methods to detect bacteria and fungi.
• Conduct environmental monitoring using CliMet air sampling methods to measure total particulates in cleanroom environments.
• Trend and analyze environmental monitoring data to detect anomalies and characterize transient and resident microflora.
• Perform utilities and water system testing, including city water testing for total microbial count and absence of enteric organisms.
• Test pre-treated water, clean steam, and Water for Injection for total microbial count and presence of endotoxins.
• Test nitrogen and process air for total microbial count and total particulates.
• Utilize classical microbiological methods to identify microorganisms recovered from environmental, utility, and product-related samples.
• Perform validation and qualification support activities such as biological indicator recovery, bioburden rinse and swab testing, endotoxin rinse testing, and endotoxin challenge vial testing.
• Enter and maintain microbiological test results and related data in laboratory information management systems such as LIMS or Microbiology Information Management Systems (MIMS).
• Trend and review environmental monitoring data to support quality assessments, investigations, and continuous improvement.
• Document test results, observations, and conclusions in a GMP-compliant manner, ensuring that all forms and records are complete, accurate, and ready for approval.
• Perform all responsibilities in compliance with established quality systems, including GMP and internal standard operating procedures.
• Adhere to all safety, health, and environmental policies, procedures, and directives while working in the laboratory and cleanroom.
• Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent safety documentation to understand chemical hazards and apply appropriate laboratory safety procedures.
• Report any incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions that could impact the safety of laboratory personnel or the integrity of the laboratory environment.
• Apply aseptic techniques and cleanroom gowning practices when working in controlled environments.
• Support deviation investigations or CAPA processes by providing data, documentation, and technical input related to microbiological testing and environmental monitoring.
• Assist with audit and regulatory inspection preparation and support by providing records, explanations of methods, and documentation of laboratory practices.
• Contribute to validation or qualification studies by performing required microbiological tests, documenting results, and supporting protocol execution.
• Use Microsoft Excel and electronic data systems to organize, analyze, and present microbiological and environmental monitoring data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in cross-training opportunities across departments to broaden technical capabilities.

• Experience working in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with environmental monitoring in cleanroom or classified areas, including active and passive air sampling and surface sampling using RODAC plates or swabs.
• Practical knowledge of cleanroom microbiology and aseptic technique.
• Experience performing utilities and water system testing, including city water, pre-treated water, clean steam, and Water for Injection.
• Proficiency in endotoxin testing and bioburden testing methods.
• Ability to utilize classical microbiological identification methods for microorganisms.
• Experience performing environmental monitoring data trending and review.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or Microbiology Information Management Systems (MIMS) for data entry and retrieval.
• Strong skills in GMP-compliant documentation and quality-focused record keeping.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and apply laboratory safety procedures using MSDS or equivalent safety resources.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and electronic data systems for data analysis and reporting.
• Training or experience in cleanroom gowning and aseptic behavior.

• Exposure to deviation investigations or CAPA processes and the ability to contribute microbiological data and insights.
• Experience supporting audits or regulatory inspections by providing documentation and explaining laboratory practices.
• Experience supporting validation or qualification studies, including execution of microbiological test protocols.
• Comfort working with environmental monitoring and cleanroom microbiology concepts.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional laboratory team and adapt to cross-training across departments.
• Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, records, and data sets simultaneously.

This role is based in a pharmaceutical laboratory that includes cleanroom and classified areas, as well as utilities and water system testing stations. The position operates on a second shift schedule from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., with initial training conducted on a standard daytime shift (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Work is performed in a controlled, GMP-regulated environment that requires adherence to strict aseptic techniques, cleanroom gowning procedures, and established safety protocols. The laboratory uses specialized microbiology equipment for environmental monitoring, utilities testing, and classical microbiological identification, as well as electronic systems such as LIMS/MIMS and other data management tools. The organization invests in employee development and encourages cross-training across departments, offering opportunities to broaden skills and build a long-term career in pharmaceutical microbiology.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL.

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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 Birmingham,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.

Salary : $29