Microbiology Technician

Actalent; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; 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 Technician in Omaha, NE, contract position, to support rapid testing and quality programs in a busy microbiology lab. You will prepare samples, maintain media and reagents, and perform routine QC checks while ensuring aseptic practices and a safe, compliant environment.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, accurate documentation, teamwork, and timely communication across shifts, with opportunities to grow in food safety testing and laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in microbiology lab settings and testing workflows.
• Familiarity with sample prep, analysis, and management in food safety labs.
• Ability to follow aseptic techniques to prevent contamination.
• Knowledge of quality control processes and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for microbiological and chemical analyses according to SOPs.
• Apply aseptic techniques to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Maintain and prepare media, reagents, and materials for testing.
• Monitor inventory of supplies and report needs to ensure operations.
• Perform routine maintenance on lab equipment and ensure cleanliness.
• Record incubator temperatures and document control results.
• Follow lab policies, SOPs, and customer requirements.
• Maintain organized records and safe lab conditions.
• Perform tasks in a neat, safe, and efficient manner to support compliance.
• Share information with team and leadership to support workflow.
• Assist in managing daily priorities and schedules.
• Adhere to safety protocols to protect self and others.
• Complete required training and stay updated on lab practices.
• Support sample receipt, labeling, handling, and tracking.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Microbiology testing

Quality control

Lab safety

Sample management

Documentation

Team communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

GED

Associate degree

Food safety coursework

Tools

PCR techniques

Job description

Job Title: Microbiology Technician

Job Description

The Microbiology Technician prepares and analyzes samples for microbiological and chemical testing in a fast-paced laboratory environment. This role supports food safety and quality programs by applying aseptic techniques, maintaining laboratory media and reagents, and performing routine quality control checks. The technician contributes to accurate, reliable test results by following established procedures, maintaining clean and safe lab conditions, and supporting team goals through effective communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently in all daily tasks to prevent contamination and ensure reliable test results.
• Maintain and prepare media, reagents, and other materials required for microbiological testing.
• Monitor, inventory, and report expendable supplies and materials needed for testing to ensure continuous laboratory operations.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment, including cleaning, sanitizing, and proper trash disposal.
• Conduct quality control monitoring by recording incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, and documenting results.
• Follow assigned processes, procedures, and techniques in line with laboratory policies, standard operating procedures, and customer requirements.
• Maintain laboratory conditions by ensuring equipment is in good working order, supplies are organized, quality assurance programs are followed, and accurate records are kept throughout all procedures.
• Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner to support a clean and compliant laboratory environment.
• Share information openly and in a timely manner with team members and leadership to support effective communication and workflow.
• Assist in managing daily priorities and schedules to help the team achieve individual and collective goals.
• Ensure personal safety and the safety of others within the work area by adhering to strict safety protocols and guidelines.
• Complete all required training and maintain up-to-date knowledge of laboratory practices, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Support sample management activities, including sample receipt, labeling, handling, storage, and tracking as needed.
• Participate in general lab support tasks such as preparing solutions, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and organizing workspaces.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with a focus on microbiology, microbiological testing, or related lab support activities.
• Knowledge of microbiology laboratory practices, including sample preparation, sample collection, sample analysis, sample testing, and sample management.
• Ability to apply aseptic techniques consistently to prevent contamination and ensure accuracy of microbiological results.
• Familiarity with quality control procedures in a lab setting, including running controls, monitoring equipment, and documenting results.
• Experience working with lab equipment commonly used in microbiology and food testing laboratories.
• Understanding of lab safety practices and the ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and microbiological pathogens.
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow protocols and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced lab environment handling a high volume of samples.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to share information clearly and in a timely manner.
• Ability to organize tasks, manage time, and support team priorities and schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a Life Science discipline is preferred.
• Two years of laboratory experience is preferred.
• Experience or coursework in food safety or food science.
• Exposure to PCR or molecular techniques in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to travel is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Interest in learning new microbiology techniques and expanding technical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interactive, team-based lab environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a microbiology testing laboratory that operates on multiple shifts to support high sample volumes. There is one opening on 2nd shift (2:00 PM10:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday) and one opening on 3rd shift (9:00 PM5:30 AM, Tuesday through Saturday). The lab receives a large volume of samples, often 2,000 or more per day, creating a fast-paced and dynamic work setting. The environment is interactive and team-oriented, with multiple tests and experiments running simultaneously and frequent communication among team members. Noise levels and temperatures may vary depending on equipment and processes, ranging from quiet to loud and from hot to cold. The work involves diverse duties, including preparing samples and solutions, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and supporting routine testing activities, which keeps daily tasks varied and engaging. Strict safety protocols are in place due to the use of hazardous chemicals and microbiological pathogens, and maintaining a clean, sterile environment is essential to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results. The lab emphasizes continuous learning, offering opportunities to develop new techniques and build a strong foundation for career growth and specialization in microbiology. Dress and conduct align with standard laboratory expectations, including appropriate lab attire and adherence to hygiene and safety requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.96 - $22.43/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 Omaha,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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.

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.