Lab Technician 2

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting complex microbiological studies and procedures within a food microbiology laboratory operating under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions. This position focuses on producing accurate, traceable, and defendable results while working with a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops. The Lab Technician collaborates closely with microbiologists and other laboratory staff, contributes to experiment execution, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Use proper handling procedures and aseptic techniques to ensure the integrity and safety of all microbiological work.
• Assist with the setup, scheduling, preparation, and execution of complex studies and procedures in accordance with GLP conditions.
• Produce accurate, traceable, and defendable results within established timelines and quality standards.
• Work with and maintain a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops, following appropriate safety and handling protocols.
• Assist microbiologists in conducting experiments and support the design and execution of microbiological studies.
• Conduct experiments and studies that may involve Clostridium botulinum, adhering to all relevant safety and procedural guidelines.
• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory tasks under general supervision to ensure supervisor and client satisfaction.
• Carry out microbial transfers using aseptic techniques to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Perform microbial identification and enumeration techniques to support food microbiology analyses.
• Accurately prepare media and reagents required for microbiological testing and experimental work.
• Pour plates, perform serial dilutions, and carry out pipetting procedures with precision and consistency.
• Conduct microscopic observations, including direct microscopic counts, gram stains, and wet mounts.
• Operate necessary laboratory equipment as required for assigned projects, ensuring correct and safe usage.
• Maintain instruments and equipment so they remain continuously in good working order, including routine checks and basic maintenance.
• Identify and communicate equipment and facility improvement opportunities or issues to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain a safe and orderly work environment by following laboratory safety practices and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain good working communication with all staff to support effective teamwork and information sharing.
• Follow appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols as instructed by the supervisor.
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory and experimental records to ensure data traceability and compliance.
• Work as a team member with all staff to accomplish position objectives and broader business goals.
• Assist in training or mentoring laboratory staff as needed, sharing knowledge of methods and best practices.
• Troubleshoot laboratory methods, equipment issues, and nonconforming results to help maintain quality and reliability.
• Perform other laboratory-related tasks as assigned to support ongoing projects and operational needs.

Essential Skills

• Associate's degree in a scientific discipline; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• At least 4 years of food microbiology laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in independently performing routine and complex microbiological analyses.
• Strong practical knowledge of aseptic techniques and proper handling procedures for microbiological work.
• Experience working with a variety of organisms, including pathogens and spore crops, in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to accurately perform microbial transfers, identification, and enumeration techniques.
• Hands-on experience preparing media and reagents, including plate pouring, dilutions, and pipetting.
• Proficiency in microscopic observations, including direct microscopic counts, gram staining, and wet mounts.
• Ability to operate and maintain common laboratory instruments and equipment used in microbiology.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory methods, equipment performance, and nonconforming results.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to maintain clear, accurate, and traceable laboratory records.
• Solid organization skills to manage multiple tasks, studies, and deadlines effectively.
• Effective communication skills to interact with supervisors, microbiologists, and laboratory staff.
• Ability to follow GLP requirements, SOPs, and protocols consistently.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by project needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline is preferred.
• Experience training or mentoring laboratory staff in microbiological techniques and procedures.
• Experience in food microbiology, including familiarity with industry standards and testing methods.
• Experience conducting or supporting studies involving Clostridium botulinum or similar pathogens.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defendable and high-quality data.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment and contribute to shared objectives.
• Comfort working under general supervision while taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Capability to identify and propose improvements to laboratory equipment, workflows, and facilities.

Work Environment

The role is based in a food microbiology laboratory that operates under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions, with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and data integrity. The Lab Technician works with various microorganisms, including pathogens and spore crops, and uses equipment such as incubators, microscopes, pipettes, and other standard microbiology instruments. The environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction among microbiologists and laboratory staff to support complex studies and routine testing. Detailed record-keeping, adherence to SOPs, and continuous equipment maintenance are core aspects of daily work. The schedule may include overtime, weekend, and holiday hours to meet project timelines and client requirements. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are used to maintain a safe and orderly workspace.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Fresno,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.