**Lab Technician** 20/HR

Entry-Level Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This entry-level microbiology laboratory position supports food safety testing by preparing food, ingredient, and environmental samples for microbiological and basic chemistry analysis. You will use aseptic techniques to prevent contamination, follow strict standard operating procedures, and accurately document results. The role involves maintaining laboratory readiness through media and reagent preparation, inventory tracking, routine quality control checks, and ensuring a clean, compliant workspace. You will work both independently and as part of a collaborative team to meet testing deadlines in a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food, ingredient, and environmental samples for microbiological and basic chemistry testing in accordance with established protocols.
• Use aseptic techniques consistently to prevent sample and environmental contamination during all laboratory procedures.
• Follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample handling, testing, documentation, and equipment use.
• Accurately record test results, observations, and any deviations in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems.
• Prepare media and reagents needed for routine testing, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and documentation.
• Track laboratory inventory for supplies, media, reagents, and consumables, and communicate needs to ensure continuous operations.
• Perform routine quality control checks, including monitoring incubators and other equipment, and report any issues promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspace in line with safety and quality guidelines.
• Support adherence to food safety testing standards and contribute to a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with team members to prioritize and complete testing workloads and meet daily and weekly deadlines.
• Work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance when needed to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Laboratory experience or exposure to laboratory procedures, including basic handling of samples and equipment.
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures used in a food testing laboratory.
• Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures and regulatory guidelines accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain precise documentation of tests and results.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
• Basic understanding of microbiology or life science principles related to food safety testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a life science discipline or two years of laboratory experience, preferred.
• Ability to travel, preferred.
• Experience in quality-focused environments or quality control processes.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and basic chemistry testing procedures.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates readiness for laboratory work.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment focused on food safety testing. You will work in a controlled setting with microbiological and basic chemistry testing equipment, incubators, and standard lab instruments. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring consistent adherence to safety and cleanliness standards. You will spend most of your time on your feet performing lab tasks, handling samples, and preparing media and reagents, while wearing appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment as required.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of St. Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

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 St. Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.