Strain Improvement Lab Technician

Job Title: Strain Improvement Lab TechnicianJob Description

The Strain Improvement Lab Technician provides primary support to a team of scientists by executing laboratory tasks that enable strain improvement and biotechnological research. This role focuses on preparing microbial growth media, managing small-scale cultivation workflows, processing samples for molecular analysis, and maintaining smooth day-to-day lab operations. The technician contributes directly to projects involving genetically modified microbial strains for nutritional and other biotechnological applications, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbial growth media and agar plates, including operation of plate-filling equipment such as the ReShape Bio Plate Filler, to support routine and experimental workflows.
• Sterilize equipment and materials using appropriate sterilization methods and systems, including autoclaves, to ensure aseptic conditions in the laboratory.
• Perform small-scale microbial culture growth, monitor cultures as needed, and harvest samples for downstream testing and analysis.
• Prepare DNA and RNA samples for molecular biology workflows, ensuring accurate labeling, documentation, and organization of all experimental materials.
• Conduct PCR and other common molecular techniques to support strain improvement and characterization activities.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure efficient material transfers, sample handoffs, and processing across different workflow stages.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and operational efficiency, and proactively manage tasks and team activities to maintain smooth operations.
• Prepare, label, weigh, and organize experimental samples to support downstream testing, phenotypic characterization, and data collection.
• Provide support services such as lab supply restocking, stock media preparation, stock solution preparation (including acids, bases, metals, and vitamins), and bulk autoclave cycle scheduling.
• Assist with consumables ordering and inventory management to ensure that necessary materials and supplies are available for ongoing experiments.
• Perform cleaning services, including washing glassware, cleaning lab equipment, and maintaining overall laboratory cleanliness and organization.
• For exceptional candidates, assess the performance of new microbial strains by running screenings across different workflow stages, including growth selection, gene transformation validation, gene expression analysis, and phenotypic characterization.
• For exceptional candidates, assist in preparing and presenting experimental results and scientific findings to project teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists and other technicians, contributing to a supportive, inclusive, and knowledge-sharing team environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with microbial cell growth and sample processing or preparation in small-scale cultivation systems.
• Proficiency in common molecular techniques, including PCR and DNA/RNA preparation.
• Strong aseptic technique and experience with preparation of microbial growth media.
• Experience using sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves, in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform routine laboratory maintenance tasks, including cleaning, restocking, and organizing supplies and equipment.
• Motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively.
• High attention to detail in experimental execution, sample handling, and documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document procedures and results.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player in collaborative environments.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced setting and adapt to changing priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, with experience in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, microbial culturing, and/or biochemistry.
• Experience with design of experiments in molecular cloning is a plus.
• Exposure to or experience with flow cytometry is a plus.
• Experience with data analysis related to molecular biology or microbiology experiments is a plus.
• Proactive and inquisitive mindset, with a strong interest in learning new techniques and improving existing processes.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams and engaging with scientists across different disciplines.

Work Environment

This role is based in a research and development laboratory focused on nutritional products for human use, where teams develop and refine new biotechnological solutions. The environment is fast-paced, intellectually engaging, and highly collaborative, with staff who are eager to help technicians expand their skills and gain exposure to new methods and biotechnical processes, including genetic modification of microbial strains. You will work on-site alongside multiple consulting technicians across several teams, sharing equipment such as autoclaves, plate fillers, and standard molecular biology tools. The lab emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organized workflows, with regular support and mentorship that foster professional development. Paid time off and holidays are available, and the culture values inclusivity, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/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 Columbia,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 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.