Microbiology Lab Technician

Actalent; Chanhassen (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Microbiology Lab Technician to support lotion and cream product lines, performing microbiological testing to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes environmental and product testing, documentation integrity, and continuous lab improvements.

Based in Chanhassen, MN, the position is on-site, with a typical first-shift schedule and a contract-to-hire pathway.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field is strongly preferred.
• 0–1 years in microbiology or lab work in related sectors.
• Hands-on experience with microbiology techniques, including microbial limit testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbial limit tests on diverse samples to meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Log observations and results accurately in established protocols.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments to ensure reliable measurements.

Skills

Bachelor's in Microbiology

1 year experience

Microbiology techniques

Aseptic technique

Data recording

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Job description

Job Description

The Microbiology Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting new lotions and creams product lines for personal care and over-the-counter applications by performing microbiological testing to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. This position focuses on environmental and product testing, documentation integrity, and continuous improvement of laboratory procedures in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

The Microbiology Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting new lotions and creams product lines for personal care and over-the-counter applications by performing microbiological testing to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. This position focuses on environmental and product testing, documentation integrity, and continuous improvement of laboratory procedures in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbial limit tests on a variety of sample types, including environmental samples, raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products, to ensure they meet internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Accurately log observations, test results, and conclusions in accordance with established laboratory protocols and quality frameworks.
• Conduct routine maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of laboratory instruments to ensure reliable and consistent measurements.
• Participate in root cause analysis for contamination events or quality deviations and assist in developing and implementing practical corrective actions.
• Revise existing procedural documents, standard operating procedures, and workflow instructions to reflect current practices and process improvements.
• Design and introduce new microbiological testing protocols as needed to support evolving product lines, regulatory expectations, and customer requirements.
• Maintain detailed, organized, and compliant records to meet internal audit standards and external regulatory expectations.
• Follow industry-aligned practices for manufacturing, laboratory operations, aseptic technique, and documentation integrity.
• Work independently in a small laboratory team, managing daily testing schedules and priorities while ensuring timely completion of assigned work.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Quality Control, Compounding, Engineering, and Production to coordinate sampling, share test results, and support overall product quality.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field is strongly preferred.
• 0–1 years of experience in microbiology or laboratory work in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, consumer products, food and beverage, or academic research.
• Hands‑on experience or academic training in microbiology techniques, including microbial limit testing.
• Proficiency in working within a laboratory environment, including safe handling of samples and use of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring practices within a production or laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform and maintain aseptic technique during sampling and testing procedures.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate data recording, analysis, and documentation.
• Effective time management skills to handle testing workloads and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working independently in a small team setting while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Familiarity with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines relevant to microbiological testing and product quality.
• Understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Ability to adapt to a fast‑paced environment with evolving strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments such as QC, Compounding, Engineering, and Production.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and resourcefulness when addressing issues within the laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain focus and precision in a dynamic and changing environment.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in a laboratory setting within a smaller department of approximately one to two people, offering a high degree of independent work. About 80% of the time is spent performing laboratory testing, including preparing samples, running microbiological assays, and walking onto the production floor to collect samples from manufacturing lines. The remaining 20% of the time is dedicated to desk‑based work, such as recording and analyzing results, updating documentation, and maintaining data records. The role provides regular opportunities to work cross‑functionally with Quality Control, Compounding, Engineering, and Production teams. The environment is fast‑paced and continually evolving as new product lines and R&D processes are introduced. The culture emphasizes inclusivity, close‑knit relationships, and strong team values. The schedule is Monday through Friday on first shift, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Paid time off, holidays, and safe/sick pay are available, contributing to a supportive and balanced work experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chanhassen, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/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 Chanhassen,MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.