Microbiology Technician

Job Title: Microbiology Technician

Job Description

The Microbiology Technician is responsible for executing fundamental microbiology procedures. This role involves tasks such as adding sterile powder to sterile water, homogenizing samples, weighing samples aseptically, and adding samples to sterile media. This process is repeated 30-40 times, maintaining strict hygiene protocols. Technicians will also input data into the incubator system, make media, calibrate scales, and balance weights.

Responsibilities

• Add sterile powder to sterile water and homogenize samples.
• Weigh samples aseptically and add them to sterile media.
• Repeat the sample processing tasks 30-40 times.
• Wash hands frequently and maintain hygiene standards.
• Input data such as time, media used, water used, and lot number into the lab system.
• Prepare and make various media as required.
• Calibrate scales and balance weights accurately.
• Adhere to cross-contamination prevention protocols.
• Manage sample counts and plating
• Handle raw meats in the Raw department.
• Utilize three walk-in incubators set at different temperatures for specific bacteria: Salmonella and others.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in GMP/GLP or food service experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest and ability to learn diagnostic techniques, PCR, and testing for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Work Environment

The role operates in a laboratory setting with controlled temperature and lighting. It involves occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials. Technicians must be capable of lifting sample packages weighing between 10-50 pounds and will spend extended periods standing. The job requires wearing a mask, laboratory coat, and insulated gloves in a fast-paced environment. Work hours are from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 10:30 am, with end times varying based on sample processing. Currently, there is a demand for 8-12 hours of overtime weekly, which will reduce to 3-5 hours. The laboratory comprises a team of approximately 60 people, fostering a motivated and detail-oriented culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50/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 Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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.