Job Information
Actalent Microbiology Lab Technician in Mounds View, Minnesota
Job Title: Microbiology Lab TechnicianJob Description
The Microbiology Lab Technician supports a fast-paced microbiology laboratory by performing critical laboratory support functions that keep testing operations running smoothly. This role focuses on sample handling, preparation, and general lab upkeep rather than analytical interpretation, and offers a clear development path into advanced microbiological testing, including PCR analysis, along with exposure to GLP, GMP, and LIMS systems.
Responsibilities
Perform routine laboratory support tasks, including stocking shelves, managing chemical inventory, sweeping floors, and cleaning workspaces to maintain a clean and organized lab.
Conduct basic equipment checks such as pH testing and balance verification to ensure instruments function properly.
Register samples for testing orders, including weighing, diluting, and incubating samples, and preparing them for pathogen testing according to established procedures.
Operate autoclaves to sterilize materials, clean and organize glassware, and maintain a safe and orderly workstation at all times.
Provide documentation support by accurately recording data, maintaining precise and complete laboratory records, and following documentation guidelines.
Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and follow all safety, laboratory, and company standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent contamination and ensure a safe working environment.
Use aseptic technique and proper sample preparation methods to handle microbiological samples in a controlled and compliant manner.
Collaborate closely with a small laboratory team, communicate clearly, and take direction to prioritize daily tasks and support shifting workload needs.
Support laboratory operations in a high-throughput, repetitive environment while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn new techniques, technologies, and procedures as responsibilities expand over time.
Engage in ongoing training with the opportunity to advance into higher-level microbiological testing, including PCR confirmation analysis, as experience and performance grow.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field, or a non-science degree with strong demonstrated interest and aptitude for laboratory work.
Completion of at least two Microbiology or Biology laboratory courses, providing foundational hands-on lab experience.
Ability to follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately and consistently.
Experience or strong aptitude for working in a fast-paced, repetitive laboratory or operational environment while maintaining precision.
Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accurate data entry and precise documentation.
Ability to work effectively as part of a small team, take direction, and communicate clearly with colleagues and leadership.
Capability to stand and work on feet for extended periods, reflecting strong stamina and time management skills.
Verified positive attitude and willingness to learn in a laboratory setting, supported by references.
Comfort using basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, autoclaves, and incubation equipment.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks such as sample registration, preparation, and workstation upkeep.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in customer service, retail, or serving roles, demonstrating ability to stay on feet for long periods, manage time effectively, and work well with others.
Familiarity with aseptic technique and microbiological sample preparation.
Exposure to or interest in working under GLP and GMP regulatory frameworks, with an opportunity to gain hands-on regulatory experience.
Interest in learning PCR techniques and advanced microbiological confirmation testing.
Willingness to learn and work with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Openness to a clear career progression path from entry-level technician to higher technician levels based on performance.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset that contribute to a positive lab culture and low-turnover environment.
Work Environment
This is a 100% laboratory-based position within an outsourced microbiology testing lab that handles a variety of products beyond dairy. The lab operates as a controlled environment designed to minimize contamination and follows rigorous standards, including certification to higher-level quality systems. The setting is similar to a low-level clean room, where team members wear full smocks, lab glasses, lab coats, lab-appropriate shoes, and may wear jeans as part of their attire. Handwashing and adherence to hygiene protocols are essential. The role requires being on your feet for the majority of the day in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment. Work schedules typically follow either Tuesday through Saturday or Monday through Friday, depending on laboratory needs, with a rotating start time between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. that remains consistent week to week. Once fully trained, technicians may rotate into a schedule that includes working 2 to 3 Saturdays per month. The lab uses modern microbiology equipment and systems, including autoclaves, balances, pH meters, incubation equipment, and LIMS software. The organization offers paid holidays, floating PTO days available from day one, and safe/sick pay, along with a strong culture of development, clear advancement from Technician 1 to Technician 3 based on performance, and profit-sharing for permanent technicians that recognizes both company and individual performance as well as tenure in the role. The team enjoys low turnover and a supportive leadership structure that fosters learning, growth, and long-term career development in food microbiology.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mounds View, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Mounds View,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 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.