Microbiologist

Job Title: Microbiologist

Job Description

The Microbiologist supports microbiological analysis of products, stability samples, validation samples, raw materials, and environmental samples to ensure consistent product quality. This role focuses on microbiological testing, method validation, environmental monitoring, and active participation in continuous improvement initiatives within a pharmaceutical laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine microbiological monitoring of purified water systems, laboratory water systems, and compressed air systems to ensure they meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Perform active air monitoring and collect environmental samples, including equipment monitoring, on the production floor and within laboratory areas.
• Carry out USP <60>, USP <61>, and USP <62> testing to detect and quantify microbial contaminants in pharmaceutical products and raw materials.
• Conduct USP <51> antimicrobial effectiveness testing to evaluate the efficacy of preservatives and antimicrobial agents in products.
• Perform environmental monitoring activities on a day-to-day basis, including sample collection, handling, and preparation for microbiological analysis.
• Support lab assistants by providing guidance on environmental monitoring procedures, sample collection, and microbiological testing techniques.
• Go onto the production floor to obtain samples, ensuring proper aseptic technique and adherence to safety and quality procedures.
• Execute sample testing, including preparation, incubation, observation, and recording of microbiological results.
• Gather, compile, and organize microbiological data and reports for review, trending, and decision-making.
• Review and validate microbiological data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and timely documentation of all testing activities in accordance with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for core functional areas of microbiology, providing technical support and guidance to colleagues.
• Support method validation activities by executing validation protocols, documenting results, and contributing to the evaluation of new or revised methods.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance microbiology and quality control processes, workflows, and documentation practices.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to investigate microbiological issues, identify root causes, and propose corrective actions.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks, ensuring they are completed accurately, on time, and in alignment with quality and regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional team members in the laboratory and on the production floor to support overall product quality.
• Communicate findings clearly in written reports and verbal updates to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clarity in microbiological results.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or Biology.
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or a related scientific field.
• One or more (1+) years of experience working in a microbiology laboratory or microbiology-focused environment.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing and environmental monitoring in a laboratory or pharmaceutical setting.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of USP <51>, USP <60>, USP <61>, and USP <62> microbiological methods.
• Strong microbiology background, including understanding of microbial contamination, sterilization principles, and aseptic techniques.
• Experience working in a microbiology laboratory performing sample collection, preparation, and analysis.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique to prevent contamination during sampling and testing activities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document procedures and results clearly and accurately.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills to manage records, reports, and laboratory data in compliance with SOPs.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a scientific or laboratory context.
• Willingness to take ownership of assigned tasks and responsibility for the quality and accuracy of results.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and priorities in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team, supporting lab assistants and colleagues in achieving quality objectives.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Coursework in microbiology, biology, and related laboratory sciences, including meaningful participation in hands-on lab work during academic studies.
• Experience or familiarity with environmental monitoring programs in pharmaceutical or regulated environments.
• Understanding of sterilization processes and microbial control strategies in production and laboratory settings.
• Exposure to pharmaceutical microbiology, including testing of products, raw materials, and stability samples.
• Comfort working with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines related to microbiology and quality control.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when recording data and reviewing documentation.
• Ability to interpret microbiological data and communicate results and trends to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Motivation to learn, grow, and gain further laboratory exposure, particularly for entry-level candidates with a strong academic foundation.
• Reliability and accountability in meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards in all laboratory activities.

Work Environment

This role is based in a pharmaceutical laboratory and production environment with a first-shift schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Microbiologist spends time both in the microbiology lab and on the production floor, performing environmental monitoring, collecting samples, and conducting microbiological testing. Work involves regular use of laboratory equipment, environmental monitoring tools, and aseptic sampling techniques, all within a structured setting governed by SOPs and regulatory requirements. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to quality standards, providing an excellent opportunity for an entry-level microbiology professional to gain substantial hands-on lab exposure and experience in a regulated, team-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47840.00 - $58240.00/yr.

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 Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.