Microbiology Lab Technician
About the role
This role supports diagnostic and research laboratory operations through advanced specimen preparation and electron microscopy techniques. You prepare tissue specimens, operate electron microscopy equipment, capture high-quality images, and collaborate closely with pathology and laboratory teams to deliver accurate and timely results. The position is ideal for a professional with strong experience in histology, tissue processing, and electron microscopy gained in a clinical, hospital, academic, or research laboratory environment.
Responsibilities
- Prepare tissue specimens for electron microscopy, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.
- Perform ultramicrotomy and specialized histology techniques to produce high-quality sections for electron microscopy.
- Operate and maintain transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and/or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment in accordance with laboratory protocols.
- Capture, process, and archive high-quality digital electron microscopy images for diagnostic and scientific review.
- Perform routine quality control procedures and ensure compliance with established laboratory quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation issues and coordinate maintenance activities to minimize downtime.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and image archives to support diagnostic and research activities.
- Collaborate with pathologists, physicians, and laboratory personnel to support testing workflows and patient care activities.
- Apply microbiology, aseptic technique, sterilization, and decontamination practices to ensure specimen integrity and laboratory safety.
- Adhere to established safety, infection prevention, and quality assurance procedures at all times.
- Assist with inventory management, including monitoring laboratory supplies and reagents and communicating replenishment needs.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory by contributing to process optimization and quality enhancement efforts.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience operating Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) and/or Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), with a minimum of 2 years of recent electron microscopy experience in a clinical, pathology, academic, or research laboratory setting.
- Proficiency in preparation of tissue specimens, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.
- Experience with ultramicrotomy and specialized histology techniques to prepare specimens for electron microscopy.
- Ability to capture, process, and archive diagnostic-quality electron microscopy images using appropriate digital imaging systems.
- Strong understanding of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory compliance practices.
- Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and troubleshooting instrumentation to ensure reliable performance.
- Applied knowledge of microbiology, sterilization, decontamination, and aseptic technique in a laboratory environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to support collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Qualifications
- Experience working in surgical pathology or histology laboratories supporting diagnostic workflows.
- Experience in pathology lab operations and specimen processing for both clinical and research purposes.
- Familiarity with image archiving systems and digital workflows used in diagnostic and scientific review.
- Demonstrated ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures with a high level of accuracy.
- Proven track record of contributing to laboratory quality improvement and process optimization initiatives.
- Comfort working in a multidisciplinary environment with pathologists, physicians, and other laboratory professionals.
Work Environment
This position is based in a surgical pathology histology laboratory in Portland, OR. The assignment length is 13 weeks with potential for extension, and conversion to permanent employment is not guaranteed. You work with advanced electron microscopy technologies, including TEM and SEM, as well as standard histology and microbiology equipment in a regulated laboratory setting. The environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with a strong emphasis on safety, infection prevention, quality assurance, and collaboration across pathology and laboratory teams. A professional laboratory dress code is expected, appropriate for a clinical and research lab setting.
Schedule
Daytime shift, five 8-hour shifts per week, typically from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Pay
$40.00 – $45.00 per hour. Individual compensation within this range depends on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Benefits
- Six paid holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day)
- Medical plan options
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Hospital cost protection, critical illness, and accident protection plans
- Health cost estimation and advocacy services
- Employee assistance program
- Dental and vision coverage
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Transportation benefits
- 401(k) plan
- Access to affinity programs
Job Details
Contract position based in Portland, OR. Fully onsite. Assignment length: 13 weeks with potential for extension; conversion to permanent employment not guaranteed. Position anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.