Lab Technician 2

Actalent; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician to support microbiological studies in a GLP-compliant food microbiology laboratory in Fresno, CA. The role emphasizes accurate, traceable results and collaboration with microbiologists and staff.

The candidate will perform aseptic techniques, media prep, transfers, enumeration, microscopy, and reporting while maintaining safety and SOP/GLP standards. Overtime and weekend hours may be required to meet project timelines.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in a scientific discipline is required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Experience in food microbiology and GLP environments is highly desirable.
• Ability to perform routine and complex microbiological analyses independently.
• Strong documentation and data-traceability skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Follow aseptic techniques to maintain sample integrity.
• Assist with GLP-compliant study setup and execution.
• Produce accurate, traceable results within timelines.
• Work with diverse organisms including pathogens and spore crops.
• Assist with experiments and design of microbiological studies.
• Perform plate pouring, dilutions, and pipetting with precision.
• Conduct microscopic observations and direct counts.
• Operate and maintain lab instruments; perform basic maintenance.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records for data traceability.
• Collaborate with team and communicate findings effectively.
• Follow SOPs and safety protocols; optional overtime as needed.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Microscopy

Media preparation

Microbial transfers

Microbial enumeration

GLP compliance

Laboratory safety

Documentation

Equipment maintenance

Teamwork

Communication

Overtime availability

Education

Associate degree in science

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Incubators

Microscopes

Pipettes

Centrifuge

Autoclave

Job description

Job Description

The Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting complex microbiological studies and procedures within a food microbiology laboratory operating under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions. This position focuses on producing accurate, traceable, and defendable results while working with a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops. The Lab Technician collaborates closely with microbiologists and other laboratory staff, contributes to experiment execution, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting complex microbiological studies and procedures within a food microbiology laboratory operating under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions. This position focuses on producing accurate, traceable, and defendable results while working with a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops. The Lab Technician collaborates closely with microbiologists and other laboratory staff, contributes to experiment execution, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Use proper handling procedures and aseptic techniques to ensure the integrity and safety of all microbiological work.
• Assist with the setup, scheduling, preparation, and execution of complex studies and procedures in accordance with GLP conditions.
• Produce accurate, traceable, and defendable results within established timelines and quality standards.
• Work with and maintain a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops, following appropriate safety and handling protocols.
• Assist microbiologists in conducting experiments and support the design and execution of microbiological studies.
• Conduct experiments and studies that may involve Clostridium botulinum, adhering to all relevant safety and procedural guidelines.
• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory tasks under general supervision to ensure supervisor and client satisfaction.
• Carry out microbial transfers using aseptic techniques to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Perform microbial identification and enumeration techniques to support food microbiology analyses.
• Accurately prepare media and reagents required for microbiological testing and experimental work.
• Pour plates, perform serial dilutions, and carry out pipetting procedures with precision and consistency.
• Conduct microscopic observations, including direct microscopic counts, gram stains, and wet mounts.
• Operate necessary laboratory equipment as required for assigned projects, ensuring correct and safe usage.
• Maintain instruments and equipment so they remain continuously in good working order, including routine checks and basic maintenance.
• Identify and communicate equipment and facility improvement opportunities or issues to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain a safe and orderly work environment by following laboratory safety practices and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain good working communication with all staff to support effective teamwork and information sharing.
• Follow appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols as instructed by the supervisor.
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory and experimental records to ensure data traceability and compliance.
• Work as a team member with all staff to accomplish position objectives and broader business goals.
• Assist in training or mentoring laboratory staff as needed, sharing knowledge of methods and best practices.
• Troubleshoot laboratory methods, equipment issues, and nonconforming results to help maintain quality and reliability.
• Perform other laboratory-related tasks as assigned to support ongoing projects and operational needs.

Essential Skills

• Associate’s degree in a scientific discipline; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• At least 4 years of food microbiology laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in independently performing routine and complex microbiological analyses.
• Strong practical knowledge of aseptic techniques and proper handling procedures for microbiological work.
• Experience working with a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops, in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to accurately perform microbial transfers, identification, and enumeration techniques.
• Hands‑on experience preparing media and reagents, including plate pouring, dilutions, and pipetting.
• Proficiency in microscopic observations, including direct microscopic counts, gram staining, and wet mounts.
• Ability to operate and maintain common laboratory instruments and equipment used in microbiology.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory methods, equipment performance, and nonconforming results.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to maintain clear, accurate, and traceable laboratory records.
• Solid organization skills to manage multiple tasks, studies, and deadlines effectively.
• Effective communication skills to interact with supervisors, microbiologists, and laboratory staff.
• Ability to follow GLP requirements, SOPs, and protocols consistently.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by project needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline is preferred.
• Experience training or mentoring laboratory staff in microbiological techniques and procedures.
• Experience in food microbiology, including familiarity with industry standards and testing methods.
• Experience conducting or supporting studies involving Clostridium botulinum or similar pathogens.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defendable and high‑quality data.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment and contribute to shared objectives.
• Comfort working under general supervision while taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Capability to identify and propose improvements to laboratory equipment, workflows, and facilities.

Work Environment

The role is based in a food microbiology laboratory that operates under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions, with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and data integrity. The Lab Technician works with various microorganisms, including pathogens and spore crops, and uses equipment such as incubators, microscopes, pipettes, and other standard microbiology instruments. The environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction among microbiologists and laboratory staff to support complex studies and routine testing. Detailed record-keeping, adherence to SOPs, and continuous equipment maintenance are core aspects of daily work. The schedule may include overtime, weekend, and holiday hours to meet project timelines and client requirements. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are used to maintain a safe and orderly workspace.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Fresno,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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