Microbiology Lab Technician

About the role

This role focuses on performing routine microbiological laboratory procedures and analyses to support safe, accurate, and reliable testing. The lab technician prepares and processes specimens, maintains and calibrates equipment, and documents all data in accordance with established procedures and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological laboratory procedures and analyses in accordance with established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain, calibrate, clean, and verify the sterility of laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Isolate and prepare cultures of bacteria and other microorganisms from various sample types.
• Conduct microbial analyses on samples collected from a variety of sources, following appropriate microbiological techniques.
• Prepare specimens and samples for testing, ensuring correct labeling, handling, and storage.
• Document all data, observations, and results in specified forms and systems with a high level of accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare detailed reports of laboratory results and findings for internal use and client reporting.
• Adhere to correct laboratory procedures, policies, and health and safety guidelines at all times.
• Apply modern microbiological techniques, including plating and pipetting, in daily laboratory activities.
• Perform titration and other relevant analytical procedures as required.
• Support quality control and quality assurance activities by following established quality systems and documentation practices.
• Collaborate with other lab technicians and team members to meet testing timelines and workload demands.
• Manage tasks effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, handling moderate stress while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors regarding test progress, issues, and findings.

Requirements

• Biology and microbiology knowledge with a focus on laboratory applications.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, microbiological procedures, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of modern microbiological techniques, including plating and pipetting.
• Experience preparing cultures of bacteria and other microorganisms.
• Experience with titration procedures.
• Exposure to quality control and quality assurance practices in a laboratory setting.
• Strong communication and writing skills for documentation and reporting.
• Strong computer knowledge for data entry, documentation, and report preparation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Able to handle moderate stress in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Professional working proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak effectively.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Microbiology or Biology.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and standard operating protocols.
• Capability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in response to changing workloads.
• Interest in contributing to quality control and quality assurance initiatives.
• Motivation to grow professionally within a rapidly expanding laboratory organization.

Skills

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Microbiology or Biology.
• Biology and microbiology knowledge with a focus on laboratory applications.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, microbiological procedures, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of modern microbiological techniques, including plating and pipetting.
• Experience preparing cultures of bacteria and other microorganisms.
• Experience with titration procedures.
• Exposure to quality control and quality assurance practices in a laboratory setting.
• Strong communication and writing skills for documentation and reporting.
• Strong computer knowledge for data entry, documentation, and report preparation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Able to handle moderate stress in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Professional working proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak effectively.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.00/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 coverage.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Work Environment

This is a first-shift position, Monday through Friday, with flexibility required as hours may vary. You will join a collaborative laboratory team currently consisting of five lab technicians. The environment is fast-paced with a strong emphasis on safety, accuracy, and adherence to laboratory standards. You will work with modern microbiological equipment and techniques in a professional laboratory setting, contributing to analytical testing that supports safer, healthier, and more sustainable products and environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenville, IL.

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.