Microbiology Sample 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

Job Title: Microbiology Sample Prep Technician Job Description This entry-level role supports a busy microbiology laboratory by preparing samples and materials for analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. The technician performs pre-prep and sample preparation tasks for higher-level laboratory staff, follows approved microbiological techniques and methodologies, and helps maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work area in a fast-paced testing environment.

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.

Essential Skills

• 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.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced environments such as recent bartending or restaurant work is highly valued.
• Exposure to laboratory receiving, sample processing, and sample enrichment activities is beneficial.
• Background or coursework in biology or microbiology is a plus.
• Formal degree is not required for this position, but any relevant scientific education is an advantage.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and high sample volumes.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate tasks with laboratory staff.
• Motivation to learn new laboratory techniques and grow within a larger lab group.
• Interest in long-term career development in microbiology or laboratory testing.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced laboratory testing facility focused on microbiological and chemistry analysis of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. The technician works in a structured lab setting with incubators, media, reagents, and standard microbiology equipment, following established safety and contamination-control procedures. The environment involves handling multiple samples, adhering to strict protocols, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace throughout the shift. The laboratory has experienced steady growth and is part of a larger lab group, offering the potential for permanent employment for those who consistently perform well and support the teams high-volume testing operations.

Job Type & Location

• This is a Contract position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 San Antonio,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

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.