Microbiologist

About the role

This role supports routine microbiological testing for products manufactured at the facility by preparing and processing production samples, performing microbiological assays, and accurately documenting results. The position offers the opportunity to apply or develop laboratory skills in a professional quality control environment, with training available for candidates who have foundational laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, and process samples from production for microbiological analysis.
• Plate samples and perform microbiological testing using aseptic techniques to prevent contamination.
• Read, interpret, and accurately document microbiological test results in a timely manner.
• Perform data entry and maintain complete, accurate, and organized testing records.
• Support routine microbiological testing for all products manufactured at the facility in alignment with quality control procedures.
• Prepare microbiological media and ensure proper labeling, storage, and usage.
• Follow established laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Operate and care for laboratory equipment such as incubators, pipettors, biological safety hoods/workstations, and autoclaves.
• Absorb and assist with environmental monitoring activities as needed to support quality control programs.
• Collaborate with quality and laboratory personnel to communicate findings and escalate issues when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and compliant laboratory workspace.

Essential Skills

• Experience in a microbiology, biology, or chemistry laboratory environment; academic laboratory experience is acceptable.
• Ability to perform aseptic techniques and handle samples without contamination.
• Hands-on experience with basic laboratory procedures such as sample preparation, plating, and media handling.
• Strong attention to detail for reading, interpreting, and documenting test results accurately.
• Proficiency with data entry and maintaining organized testing records.
• Understanding of fundamental microbiology or related scientific principles gained through education or experience.
• Capability to follow written protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety practices.
• Effective communication skills to work with quality and laboratory team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a related field is preferred, combined with academic laboratory experience.
• Experience with environmental monitoring in a laboratory or production setting is a plus.
• Experience in quality control or quality-focused laboratory work is advantageous.
• Familiarity with media preparation and sterilization processes.
• Comfort working with laboratory equipment such as incubators, pipettors, biological safety hoods/workstations, and autoclaves.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technologies with training.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple samples and tasks efficiently.

Work Environment

This position operates in a quality control microbiology laboratory that supports a manufacturing facility. The role follows a Monday through Friday schedule on second shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with the potential for Sunday work as needed. You will work closely with a small laboratory team; another microbiologist primarily works on first shift, and a quality supervisor provides direct oversight and support. The laboratory is equipped with incubators, pipettors, a biological safety hood/workstation, and an autoclave for sterilizing media and waste. Work involves standing at laboratory benches, handling biological samples, and working within a controlled environment that requires adherence to aseptic techniques and safety procedures. The setting emphasizes accuracy, cleanliness, and compliance with quality standards while providing training and support to build your technical skills.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ontario, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/hr.

Requirements

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)

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.