Entry Level Inventory Analyst Jobs in California

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a Microbiology Analyst to perform hands-on microbiological testing in a regulated laboratory environment. You will support product quality and safety across life sciences applications by executing routine microbiology tests, maintaining accurate documentation, and contributing to quality initiatives. This position is ideal for candidates with a background in biology or microbiology who enjoy working in a fast-paced, compliance-driven lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiology testing in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines, including cGMP, GLP, and ISO standards.
• Execute microbiological assays such as sterility testing, bioburden analysis, endotoxin (LAL) testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Conduct growth promotion tests, microbial identification and counts, and water and utility testing to support product quality and safety.
• Prepare microbiological media, reagents, and samples accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and compliant laboratory documentation and records for all tests performed.
• Support quality control activities, including participation in audits, investigations, and corrective or preventive actions as needed.
• Ensure laboratory cleanliness and organization, and follow established procedures for equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and compliance requirements while working with microbiological materials and equipment.
• Assist with data reporting, including compiling, reviewing, and summarizing test results for internal stakeholders.
• Monitor and help manage laboratory inventory, including reagents, consumables, and media, to ensure uninterrupted testing operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance laboratory workflows, efficiency, and quality.

• Degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field; an associate degree with 2 years of laboratory experience is acceptable, and entry-level candidates are welcome.
• Hands-on experience in microbiology or laboratory work, including familiarity with microbiological testing techniques.
• Exposure to GMP, GLP, or other regulated laboratory environments is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow SOPs and regulatory guidelines precisely.
• Excellent documentation skills, including accurate recording of test data and maintenance of laboratory records.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced laboratory setting while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to operate standard laboratory equipment safely and effectively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to support consistent and reliable test execution.

• Experience performing sterility, bioburden, endotoxin (LAL), and environmental monitoring tests.
• Familiarity with growth promotion testing, microbial identification and counts, and water and utility testing.
• Understanding of quality control principles and participation in audits or investigations.
• Experience preparing microbiological media, reagents, and samples in a regulated setting.
• Comfort with continuous improvement initiatives and contributing ideas to optimize lab processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues in a laboratory team environment.

This is an on-site, laboratory-based role in a regulated life sciences environment. You will work primarily in a microbiology lab, operating standard microbiological and analytical equipment while performing hands-on testing. The position requires standing for extended periods, handling media, reagents, and samples, and working safely with microbiological materials. You may occasionally work off-hours or weekends to support testing schedules or critical quality activities. The environment is fast-paced and compliance-focused, with an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to cGMP, GLP, and ISO standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hercules, CA.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Hercules,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.