Lab Technician - Microbiology (2nd Shift)

About the role

We’re searching for a motivated Laboratory Analyst to join our environmental laboratory team in Reading, PA. In this role, you’ll support the microbiological analytical testing of drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples. You’ll prepare samples, media, and reagents and perform routine testing for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, and other microbiological indicators. You’ll gain hands-on experience with testing methods, including Colilert, Enterolert, and Quanti-Tray enumeration, while supporting accurate documentation, quality control, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical laboratory expertise, learn from an experienced team, and build a career in environmental microbiology while contributing to reliable results that protect public health and the environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples for microbiological testing in accordance with approved methods and holding-time requirements
• Prepare culture media, reagents, standards, controls, and other materials used in environmental microbiology testing
• Perform testing for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, enterococci, and other microbiological indicators using Colilert, Enterolert, and IDEXX Quanti-Tray enumeration methods
• Operate Quanti-Tray sealers, incubators, autoclaves, membrane filtration systems, colony counters, and other microbiology laboratory equipment
• Complete equipment checks, calibrations, quality-control procedures, and routine maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable test results
• Enter, review, and maintain sample information, test results, and supporting documentation in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Follow approved analytical methods, standard operating procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, and applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Support laboratory audits, proficiency testing, corrective actions, quality investigations, and continuous-improvement initiatives
• Monitor laboratory supplies and assist with inventory management, laboratory housekeeping, and cross-training
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on analytical laboratory experience, preferably within an environmental laboratory setting
• Previous experience performing microbiological testing and preparation of samples, culture media, reagents, and controls for the analysis of drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, or other environmental samples
• Experience with environmental microbiology methods and equipment, including Colilert, Enterolert, IDEXX Quanti-Tray, membrane filtration, incubators, autoclaves, and colony counters strongly preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a plus

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

Schedule

Full-time, onsite position following 2nd shift schedule Monday - Friday from 2 PM to 10:30 PM EST. Must be able to temporarily work 8 AM–4:30 PM EST for the first 90 days of training. Flexibility to work beyond standard hours, including rotating weekends to meet operational or workload needs.