Microbiology Lab Analyst

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

HSA

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in De Pere, Wisconsin is seeking a Microbiology Lab Analyst to perform analytical and microbiological testing on food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. You will apply approved microbiological techniques, prepare and analyze samples, and contribute to quality and safety programs on the second shift.

The role emphasizes aseptic methods, GLP compliance, and accurate documentation, with responsibilities ranging from equipment maintenance to inventory control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a closely related science field.
• At least 2 years of experience in a commercial food-testing or analytical laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, or environmental samples.
• Proficiency in aseptic sampling techniques and routine laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation, care, and basic troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety requirements in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with FDA, BAM, APHA, ISO, or USP methods relevant to microbiology or analytical testing.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling, testing, and documentation.
• Effective communication skills to report results and notify management of deviations.
• Ability to work independently on second shift and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples in accordance with approved methods and protocols.
• Apply approved microbiological techniques and methodologies to evaluate indicator organisms, pathogens, and relevant chemistries.
• Prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical parameters, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
• Notify laboratory management promptly of any deviations, out-of-specification results, or unusual findings in test results.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of reagents, media, consumables, and supplies required for testing activities.
• Provide routine preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and thorough cleaning of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and customer requirements while following relevant regulatory and industry guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment using proper aseptic techniques and good laboratory practices.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends related to food microbiology and analytical testing.
• Accurately record, interpret, and report test results in accordance with laboratory documentation standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues and other departments to support continuous improvement in laboratory processes and quality systems.

Skills

Microbiological testing

Aseptic sampling

Lab equipment operation

GLP knowledge

OSHA safety knowledge

Regulatory methods

SOP adherence

Attention to detail

Second shift

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related science

Tools

Incubators

Autoclaves

Analytical instruments

Calibration

Job description

Job Title: Microbiology Lab Analyst

Job Description

The Microbiology Lab Analyst serves as a Laboratory Technician responsible for performing analytical and microbiological testing on food products, ingredients, and environmental samples to support quality and safety programs. You will apply approved microbiological techniques and methodologies to ensure accurate, reliable results and help maintain compliance with regulatory and customer requirements. Working primarily on second shift, you will prepare and analyze samples, maintain a clean and organized laboratory, monitor and care for equipment, and assist with inventory and quality-related duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples in accordance with approved methods and protocols.
• Apply approved microbiological techniques and methodologies to evaluate indicator organisms, pathogens, and relevant chemistries.
• Prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical parameters, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
• Notify laboratory management promptly of any deviations, out-of-specification results, or unusual findings in test results.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of reagents, media, consumables, and supplies required for testing activities.
• Provide routine preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and thorough cleaning of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
• Support quality-related duties, including performing temperature checks, monitoring controls, and verifying proper storage conditions.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and customer requirements while following relevant regulatory and industry guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment using proper aseptic techniques and good laboratory practices.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends related to food microbiology and analytical testing.
• Accurately record, interpret, and report test results in accordance with laboratory documentation standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues and other departments to support continuous improvement in laboratory processes and quality systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a closely related science field.
• At least 2 years of experience in a commercial food-testing or analytical laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, or environmental samples.
• Proficiency in aseptic sampling techniques and routine laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation, care, and basic troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety requirements in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with FDA, BAM, APHA, ISO, or USP methods relevant to microbiology or analytical testing.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling, testing, and documentation.
• Effective communication skills to report results and notify management of deviations.
• Ability to work independently on second shift and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced lab setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in quality control or quality assurance within a food testing or analytical laboratory.
• Background in both microbiology and chemistry testing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Experience working with indicator organisms and pathogen detection methods.
• Familiarity with industry standards and customer-specific testing requirements.
• Interest in professional development and staying current with scientific literature and industry trends.
• Willingness to pursue advancement opportunities and take on additional responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment focused on food safety and quality testing. The position operates primarily on a second shift schedule, Wednesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. You will work with microbiology and chemistry testing equipment, including incubators, autoclaves, analytical instruments, and other standard laboratory tools. The laboratory emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and strict adherence to aseptic techniques and safety protocols. You can expect a culture that supports learning, internal promotion, and advancement opportunities, including potential relocation to other laboratories for career growth. The environment is collaborative and quality-driven, with an emphasis on following regulatory guidelines and maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability in all testing activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of De Pere, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.50 - $21.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 De Pere,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.