Microbiologist

Job Title: Microbiologist

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for a Microbiology Associate to support a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory by performing a wide range of microbiological testing. You will work in a GMP cleanroom facility and contribute directly to product quality and compliance by conducting environmental monitoring, bioburden testing, and other microbiology assays in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This position is ideal for someone with strong microbiology experience, hands-on aseptic technique, and experience in regulated laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing to support a GMP laboratory, ensuring all work complies with established procedures and regulatory expectations.
• Conduct environmental monitoring activities, including water sampling, air sampling, and particulate matter sampling within a cleanroom facility.
• Execute bioburden testing and related sample preparation activities, following aseptic techniques and laboratory best practices.
• Assist with non-routine microbiological testing as assigned, troubleshooting and adapting methods as needed under guidance.
• Work consistently within a GMP environment, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and following all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Apply aseptic techniques in all applicable laboratory procedures to prevent contamination and ensure data integrity.
• Document all testing activities accurately and in a timely manner, maintaining complete, clear, and compliant records.
• Collaborate with laboratory team members to prioritize workload, support shared tasks, and maintain an organized and compliant lab.
• Support ongoing environmental monitoring programs by collecting, handling, and processing samples according to defined schedules and protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness in the laboratory and cleanroom areas in alignment with GMP expectations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or biochemistry.
• 1-3 years of experience in microbiology, preferably in a regulated or laboratory environment.
• At least 1 year of experience in environmental monitoring, including activities such as water, air, and particulate sampling.
• At least 1 year of experience performing bioburden testing.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a GMP environment and following Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Proficiency in aseptic technique and its application in microbiological testing.
• Hands-on experience with microbiology methods and techniques relevant to environmental monitoring and bioburden testing.
• Ability to follow SOPs and regulatory guidelines accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity in a GMP laboratory setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with sterility testing in a GMP or pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience working within cleanroom facilities and controlled environments.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional laboratory and quality teams.

Work Environment

This position is based in a GMP cleanroom facility and microbiology laboratory, where you will work with environmental monitoring equipment, microbiology testing instruments, and standard laboratory tools. The role follows a Monday-Friday day shift schedule, with some flexibility in start time (typically between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM). You must be willing to work overtime and occasional weekends as business needs arise. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to GMP, GDP, and SOP requirements, including controlled access, cleanroom protocols, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). You will work in a highly regulated, process-driven setting focused on product quality, safety, and compliance, with clear expectations for documentation, cleanliness, and professional conduct.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Irvine, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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 Irvine,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.