Entry Level Data Scientist Jobs in Springfield, MA

Lab AnalystOpen to Entry Level Launch Your Career in Microbiology, Food Safety & Laboratory Science

Are you a graduate in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field looking to gain hands-on laboratory experience? Join our growing team and build a strong foundation in microbiological testing, food safety, and modern analytical technologies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to work alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced laboratory environment, develop technical expertise, and gain exposure to cutting-edge testing methods used throughout the food and beverage industry.

What You'll Do

As a Lab Analyst, you'll play an important role in ensuring the safety and quality of food, beverage, and environmental samples through microbiological testing and data analysis.

Key responsibilities include:

• Receive, log, and process incoming food, beverage, and environmental samples following chain-of-custody procedures.
• Perform microbiological testing for pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O157:H7, as well as indicator organisms including APC, coliforms, and yeast/mold.
• Utilize advanced laboratory technologies, including qPCR and ELFA systems, to generate accurate and reliable analytical results.
• Prepare, dilute, and plate samples using recognized industry methods, including ISO, BAM, USDA-FSIS, and FDA protocols.
• Assist with environmental monitoring, shelf-life studies, and special research projects.
• Accurately record and review laboratory data and maintain detailed documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment while following strict quality and safety standards.
• Participate in ongoing training programs designed to expand technical skills and laboratory expertise.
• Collaborate with experienced scientists and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory.

Why This Role Is Great for Recent Graduates

Gain hands-on experience with real-world microbiological testing

Learn industry-standard methods used throughout food safety and quality laboratories

Work with advanced technologies including qPCR and pathogen detection systems

Receive training and mentorship from experienced laboratory professionals

Build transferable skills in data analysis, quality systems, and regulatory compliance

Develop a strong foundation for future careers in microbiology, food safety, quality assurance, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, and research

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
• Strong understanding of basic microbiology and laboratory techniques
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and maintain documentation
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Preferred

• Internship, academic laboratory, undergraduate research, or industry laboratory experience
• Experience with microbiological techniques such as plating, serial dilutions, aseptic technique, or PCR
• Familiarity with food microbiology or environmental testing
• Exposure to quality systems, GLP, ISO standards, or regulated laboratory environments

Recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Environment

This position is based in a dedicated microbiology testing laboratory focused on delivering analytical results for food, beverage, and environmental clients. There is no manufacturing on-site-our focus is scientific testing, data quality, and client service.

The laboratory environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and highly focused on professional development. Team members receive ongoing training and are encouraged to grow their technical skills while gaining exposure to a variety of testing methods and technologies.

Schedule

• Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Rotating Tuesday-Saturday schedule
• Saturday shifts typically conclude in the early afternoon

Build Your Future With Us

If you're passionate about science, enjoy hands-on laboratory work, and want to begin your career in a role that provides meaningful experience and growth opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Join our team and gain the skills, training, and industry exposure needed to take the next step in your scientific career.

Apply today and start building your career in microbiology and laboratory science.

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 $27.00 - $35.00/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 Aug 7, 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.