Entry-Level Microbiology Lab Technician

Actalent; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Pre-tax and Roth post-tax options

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is hiring an entry-level Microbiology Lab Technician in Columbus, OH to perform microbiology testing on food products and support a plating team. The role offers long-term growth with opportunities into technical, quality, and leadership paths.

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or a related field is preferred. This onsite position emphasizes precise testing, documentation, aseptic technique, and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Entry-level microbiology lab experience is a plus but not required.
• Willingness to learn and follow established protocols.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological samples by weighing, blending, and processing materials.
• Perform plating and culturing of samples using microbiological methods.
• Pour agar and prepare media to support tests and analyses.
• Conduct colony counting and read plates to identify microbial growth.
• Document test results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Apply aseptic technique to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Follow safety procedures and keep the lab clean and stocked.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Documentation

Aseptic technique

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or other scientific degrees

Tools

LIMS

Job description

We are hiring for an entry level Microbiology Lab Technician here in Columbus, Ohio! These are long-term career opportunities that will include performing microbiology lab testing on food products.

Ideal candidates for this role will have a Bachelors Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or other scientific degrees.

This lab technician role focuses on preparing and processing microbiological samples in a food/quality testing laboratory as part of a dedicated plating team. You will perform hands-on microbiology techniques, ensure accurate and reliable test results, and maintain high standards of documentation, aseptic technique, and laboratory safety. This position offers a strong foundation for long-term growth in laboratory science, with clear paths into advanced technical, quality, regulatory, and leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological samples by accurately weighing, blending, and processing materials according to established protocols.
• Perform plating and culturing of samples using appropriate microbiological methods and techniques.
• Pour agar and prepare media and broth to support various microbiological tests and analyses.
• Conduct colony counting and read plates to identify and quantify microbial growth.
• Incubate samples under specified conditions and monitor tests throughout the incubation period.
• Document test results accurately and completely in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Apply aseptic technique consistently to prevent contamination and ensure reliable test outcomes.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
• Keep the laboratory clean, organized, and well-stocked, including workbenches, equipment, and shared spaces.
• Collaborate with team members to meet testing deadlines and maintain smooth laboratory operations.
• Communicate clearly with colleagues and leadership regarding test status, issues, and observations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by following standard operating procedures and suggesting process enhancements when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in a relevant scientific field

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

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 [e-mail] 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.