Entry-Level Microbiology Lab Prep Technician

Actalent; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account

Transit benefits

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an entry-level Microbiology Sample Prep Technician for a contract role in San Antonio, TX. You will prepare samples for microbiology and chemistry testing, perform media and enrichment steps, and support higher-level staff in a high-volume lab environment.

The position emphasizes aseptic technique, attention to detail, and ability to follow established procedures. This onsite role offers hands-on training and potential for permanent employment within a larger lab group.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience with sample preparation in microbiology or related disciplines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, including changing gloves between samples to prevent cross contamination.
• Basic understanding of microbiology concepts and laboratory practices.
• Ability to perform media prep, enrichment, and gravimetric dilution following established protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling samples and recording information.
• Capability to follow written procedures and approved methodologies for analytical testing.
• Comfort with routine cleaning and sanitation of work areas and glassware.
• Basic quality control awareness, including monitoring incubator temperatures and running media controls.
• Reliable work ethic, including consistent attendance and willingness to support higher-level technicians.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analytical microbiological and chemistry testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples.
• Perform media and sample prep work to support technicians, including enrichment and gravimetric dilution procedures.
• Handle client samples in accordance with approved microbiological techniques and methodologies when assigned to prep activities.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently, including changing gloves between samples to prevent cross contamination.
• Maintain media and reagents by preparing, labeling, and organizing materials as required for daily testing.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and glassware to support a safe and contamination-control laboratory environment.
• Perform basic quality control monitoring, such as recording incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, and running media controls.
• Potentially perform plating activities under guidance and according to established protocols.
• Receive, organize, and process samples efficiently to support fast turnaround times in a high-volume laboratory.
• Follow all laboratory procedures, safety guidelines, and documentation requirements with attention to detail.
• Collaborate with higher-level technicians and other team members to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of testing.
• Consistently demonstrate reliability by showing up on time, completing assigned tasks, and maintaining productivity in a fast-paced setting.

Job description

Actalent is seeking an entry-level Microbiology Sample Prep Technician for a contract role in San Antonio, TX. You will prepare samples for microbiology and chemistry testing, perform media and enrichment steps, and support higher-level staff in a high-volume lab environment.

The position emphasizes aseptic technique, attention to detail, and ability to follow established procedures. This onsite role offers hands-on training and potential for permanent employment within a larger lab group.