Lab Analyst

About the role

The Lab Analyst performs microbiological testing and data analysis on food, beverage, and environmental samples in a small, fast-paced laboratory. This role focuses on accurate sample handling, aseptic technique, and the use of modern analytical technologies to generate reliable data for clients while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Receive, log, and label incoming food, beverage, and environmental samples in full compliance with chain-of-custody procedures.
• Verify sample integrity and appropriate storage conditions upon arrival to ensure suitability for testing.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative microbiological testing for pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O157:H7, as well as indicator organisms including APC, coliforms, and yeast/mold.
• Utilize qPCR and ELFA technologies to conduct microbiological analyses according to established protocols.
• Assist in conducting shelf-life studies, challenge studies, and environmental monitoring analyses as required.
• Prepare, dilute, and plate samples following standard ISO, BAM, USDA-FSIS, and FDA methods.
• Record all necessary laboratory data accurately on work orders and other documentation systems.
• Review and verify data for accuracy prior to releasing pathogen reports to clients.
• Communicate findings to senior staff and assist with client inquiries when needed.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment and adherence to biosafety level requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and contamination-free workspace to support reliable test results.
• Adhere to ISO quality management standards and all relevant regulatory compliance requirements.
• Operate general laboratory equipment and ensure proper use in daily testing activities.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment, troubleshoot basic issues, and promptly notify management of equipment problems.
• Assist with proficiency testing to support ongoing quality assurance and accreditation requirements.
• Participate in internal training programs to maintain and enhance technical competency.
• Support special projects, including testing for new products and methods as assigned.
• Apply aseptic technique consistently and carefully, recognizing that aseptic technique is critical to the everyday job.
• Adapt effectively to fluctuating workflow and changing client demands while maintaining accuracy and quality.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with basic microbiology testing on food samples.
• Strong proficiency in pipetting techniques with high accuracy and consistency.
• Demonstrated ability to perform titrations in a laboratory setting.
• Expertise in aseptic technique and sterile processing in microbiological workflows.
• Praactical knowledge of PCR methods and applications in microbiological testing.
• Solid understanding of microbiology concepts and microbiological testing methodologies.
• Ability to adapt to changing workflow and varying sample volumes while maintaining quality standards.
• Strong data entry skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience working with laboratory equipment and following standardized testing protocols such as ISO, BAM, USDA-FSIS, and FDA methods.
• 2 to 4 years of relevant experience with a degree, or 4 to 5 years of relevant experience without a degree, in a laboratory or microbiology-focused role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in food microbiology or experience testing food, beverage, or environmental samples.
• Familiarity with qPCR and ELFA technologies used in pathogen and indicator organism testing.
• Experience working within ISO quality management systems and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Ability to participate in proficiency testing and internal training programs to maintain technical competency.
• Comfort working in a small, dynamic laboratory environment where workflow can fluctuate.
• Interest in using the role as a platform for professional growth and future opportunities in the broader industry.

Work Environment

This position is based in a small microbiology testing laboratory that focuses solely on analyzing samples and generating data for clients; there is no manufacturing activity on site. The environment is laboratory-based and fast-paced, with workflow that can fluctuate depending on weekly client demands. The lab uses standard microbiology equipment and technologies, including qPCR and ELFA systems, and follows ISO, BAM, USDA-FSIS, and FDA methods. The role follows a rotating shift schedule, with typical hours of Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a Tuesday through Saturday rotation where Saturday hours end around early afternoon. The culture supports learning, internal training, and professional development, offering opportunities to build experience and leverage the role as a stepping stone to broader career growth in microbiology and related fields.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $35.00/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).

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Farmington,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. 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.