Job Information
Actalent Food Safety Microbiologist in Farmington, Connecticut
Food Safety Microbiologist
Farmington, CT | | $25–$30/hr
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday (typically finished by 3:00 PM Saturday)
Make a Direct Impact on Food Safety & Product Quality
Are you a microbiologist who enjoys owning studies end‑to‑end and wants to see your work directly influence food safety, shelf life, and product decisions? Join a collaborative laboratory team where your expertise plays a key role in ensuring the safety, stability, and quality of food and beverage products.
As a Food Safety Microbiologist, you’ll lead microbiology-based shelf life studies—from design through final reporting—working hands‑on at the bench while partnering cross‑functionally to deliver clear, meaningful insights that support customers and internal stakeholders.
What You’ll DoOwn Shelf Life Studies from Start to Finish
Design and execute microbiology-focused shelf life studies for diverse food and beverage products
Set up studies by preparing samples, defining testing intervals, and establishing controls
Manage samples throughout the study lifecycle, ensuring traceability and integrity
Hands-On Microbiological Testing
Perform microbiological testing at scheduled intervals to assess safety, quality, and stability
Work with foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms in compliance with regulatory and internal standards
Apply strict aseptic techniques to ensure reliable, high-quality results
Analyze, Interpret & Communicate Results
Track, analyze, and interpret microbiological data to determine shelf life outcomes
Clearly document procedures, observations, and results in laboratory records
Prepare concise internal or client-facing reports summarizing methods, findings, and conclusions
Collaborate & Improve
Serve as the primary owner for assigned studies, including troubleshooting and problem-solving
Collaborate cross-functionally to clarify study requirements and share insights
Contribute to quality control, continuous improvement, and laboratory best practices
What We’re Looking ForEssential Skills & Experience
Hands-on experience designing and executing microbiological shelf life studies
Strong knowledge of foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms
Working understanding of food safety regulations and their application
Proficiency in standard microbiology lab techniques and aseptic practices
Ability to independently manage studies from planning through final reporting
Strong data analysis, documentation, and written communication skills
Typically 2–4 years of experience in food microbiology or testing environments
Nice to Have
Familiarity with shelf life modeling or stability assessment
Experience applying quality control principles in regulated labs
Ability to troubleshoot and adjust study approaches while maintaining scientific rigor
Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple studies simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred
Work Environment
Fully onsite microbiology laboratory focused on food and beverage testing
Routine handling and preparation of food samples
Controlled work with pathogens and indicator organisms
Strong emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards
Use of incubators, testing instruments, and standard lab equipment
Laboratory attire and PPE required
Pay, Benefits & Perks
$25.00 – $30.00 per hour
Contract‑to‑hire opportunity with long‑term potential
Eligible benefits may include:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options
Life insurance and disability coverage
HSA and transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off (vacation/sick leave, eligibility based)
Why Join This Team?
Take full ownership of scientifically meaningful work
See your results directly impact food safety decisions
Work in a well‑structured, quality‑driven lab environment
Balanced schedule with early Saturday finishes
Opportunity to convert to a permanent role
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Farmington, CT.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 Farmington,CT.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.