Microbiology Lab Technician

Job Title: Microbiology Lab Technician / Electron Microscopy Technologist

Job Description

This role supports diagnostic and research laboratory operations through advanced specimen preparation and electron microscopy techniques. You prepare tissue specimens, operate electron microscopy equipment, capture high-quality images, and collaborate closely with pathology and laboratory teams to deliver accurate and timely results. The position is ideal for a professional with strong experience in histology, tissue processing, and electron microscopy gained in a clinical, hospital, academic, or research laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue specimens for electron microscopy, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.
• Perform ultramicrotomy and specialized histology techniques to produce high-quality sections for electron microscopy.
• Operate and maintain transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and/or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Capture, process, and archive high-quality digital electron microscopy images for diagnostic and scientific review.
• Perform routine quality control procedures and ensure compliance with established laboratory quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation issues and coordinate maintenance activities to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and image archives to support diagnostic and research activities.
• Collaborate with pathologists, physicians, and laboratory personnel to support testing workflows and patient care activities.
• Apply microbiology, aseptic technique, sterilization, and decontamination practices to ensure specimen integrity and laboratory safety.
• Adhere to established safety, infection prevention, and quality assurance procedures at all times.
• Assist with inventory management, including monitoring laboratory supplies and reagents and communicating replenishment needs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory by contributing to process optimization and quality enhancement efforts.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience operating Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) and/or Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), with a minimum of 2 years of recent electron microscopy experience in a clinical, pathology, academic, or research laboratory setting.
• Proficiency in preparation of tissue specimens, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.
• Experience with ultramicrotomy and specialized histology techniques to prepare specimens for electron microscopy.
• Ability to capture, process, and archive diagnostic-quality electron microscopy images using appropriate digital imaging systems.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory compliance practices.
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and troubleshooting instrumentation to ensure reliable performance.
• Applied knowledge of microbiology, sterilization, decontamination, and aseptic technique in a laboratory environment.
• Bachelor"s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to support collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in surgical pathology or histology laboratories supporting diagnostic workflows.
• Experience in pathology lab operations and specimen processing for both clinical and research purposes.
• Familiarity with image archiving systems and digital workflows used in diagnostic and scientific review.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures with a high level of accuracy.
• Proven track record of contributing to laboratory quality improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Comfort working in a multidisciplinary environment with pathologists, physicians, and other laboratory professionals.

Work Environment

This position is based in a surgical pathology histology laboratory in Portland, OR. The schedule follows a daytime shift, working five 8-hour shifts per week, typically from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The assignment length is 13 weeks with potential for extension, and conversion to permanent employment is not guaranteed. You work with advanced electron microscopy technologies, including TEM and SEM, as well as standard histology and microbiology equipment in a regulated laboratory setting. The environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with a strong emphasis on safety, infection prevention, quality assurance, and collaboration across pathology and laboratory teams. A professional laboratory dress code is expected, appropriate for a clinical and research lab setting. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including six paid holidays (New Year"s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day); medical plan options; a health savings account; hospital cost protection, critical illness, and accident protection plans; health cost estimation and advocacy services; an employee assistance program; dental and vision coverage; life and AD&D insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; transportation benefits; a 401(k) plan; and access to affinity programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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 Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.