Lab Technician 1

Are you passionate about microbiology, environmental monitoring, and ensuring the safety of life-saving pharmaceutical products? This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative Quality Control Microbiology team where you'll gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory technologies, aseptic manufacturing environments, and industry-leading quality systems. Whether you're an early-career microbiologist or a laboratory professional looking to expand your expertise, this role offers substantial growth potential within a large, established pharmaceutical organization.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Build specialized microbiology expertise
  • Gain experience in Environmental Monitoring, Microbial Identification, Finished Product Testing, Bacterial Filter Retention (BFR), and Method Validations.
  • Work with cutting-edge technologies, including MALDI microbial identification systems, Accugenix, LIMS, and SKAN isolators.
• Make a direct impact on product quality and patient safety
  • Play a critical role in ensuring sterile manufacturing environments and supporting the release of pharmaceutical products that improve lives.
  • Investigate environmental trends, identify potential risks, and contribute to quality and compliance initiatives.
• Develop your career in a highly regulated industry
  • Expand your knowledge of GMPs, aseptic processing, environmental monitoring, sterility assurance, and microbiological method validation.
  • Receive opportunities to train others, participate in investigations, and support cross-functional projects.
• Work alongside industry experts
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Validation, and Quality Control teams.
  • Learn from experienced microbiologists, scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Perform environmental monitoring of cleanrooms, personnel, water systems, compressed gases, and manufacturing areas in accordance with established procedures.
• Conduct microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Execute microbial identification activities, including sub-culturing, Gram staining, culture maintenance, and operation of MALDI-ID systems.
• Support sterility assurance activities through bioburden, environmental monitoring, and bacterial filter retention (BFR) studies.
• Investigate environmental excursions, out-of-limit results, and quality events while partnering with QA and manufacturing teams.
• Perform microbiological method validations and support process validations, technology transfers, and equipment qualification activities.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, data integrity, and compliance through LIMS and quality management systems.
• Assist in training personnel on aseptic practices, gowning requirements, and microbiological procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related life science field.
• 1–3 years of laboratory experience, preferably in microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control, biotechnology, food safety, or a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of microbiological techniques and laboratory practices.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Environmental Monitoring experience.
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or GMP laboratory experience.
• Experience with MALDI, Accugenix, LIMS, sterility testing, or bioburden testing.
• Exposure to method validation, process validation, or aseptic manufacturing environments.

Career Growth Potential

This position is ideal for professionals seeking a long-term career path in:

• Microbiology
• Environmental Monitoring
• Quality Control
• Quality Assurance
• Sterility Assurance
• Validation
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Successful candidates will gain exposure to advanced microbiological testing programs, regulatory compliance requirements, and highly specialized laboratory operations that can serve as a foundation for future Scientist, Senior Microbiologist, QA, Validation, or Laboratory Leadership roles.

Work Environment

• 100% onsite within a pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory setting.
• Work in controlled cleanroom environments, including ISO Class 5 areas.
• A Shift Schedule: 5:45 AM – 6:15 PM
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on quality, compliance, and continuous learning.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $23.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

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)

Schedule

A Shift: 5:45 AM – 6:15 PM

This is a fully onsite position in Franklin Park, IL.

This is a Contract position based out of Franklin Park, IL.