Food Lab Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lead Lab Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a meticulous and skilled Lead Lab Technician to join our team. The role involves performing microbiological testing and analysis of food, beverage, and environmental samples using advanced technologies such as qPCR and ELFA. You will be responsible for maintaining data accuracy and ensuring compliance with safety protocols in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Receive, log, and label incoming samples, ensuring compliance with chain-of-custody procedures.
• Verify the integrity and storage conditions of samples upon arrival.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative testing for pathogens and indicator organisms.
• Assist in conducting shelf-life studies, challenge studies, and environmental monitoring analyses.
• Prepare, dilute, and plate samples using standard ISO, BAM, USDA-FSIS, and FDA methods.
• Record and verify lab data for accuracy before releasing client reports.
• Communicate findings to staff and assist with client inquiries.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, including PPE use and biosafety level requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace adhering to ISO quality management standards.
• Operate and maintain general laboratory equipment, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Assist with proficiency testing and participate in internal training programs.
• Support special projects, including new product testing.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in microbiological testing and aseptic techniques.
• Strong knowledge of qPCR and ELFA technologies.
• Experience with pipetting, titration, and sterile processing.
• Ability to adapt to workflow changes.
• Strong data entry skills with a focus on accuracy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience with a degree or 4-5 years without a degree.
• Basic microbiology testing experience on food.
• Understanding of microbiology skill sets.

Work Environment

You will work in a small microbiology testing lab, focusing on generating data from samples rather than manufacturing. The work environment is laid-back with fluctuating workflow depending on client demands. The position involves a rotating shift schedule from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, and Tuesday to Saturday, with an early finish on Saturdays.

If you are interested please book a virtual meeting with me here: https://talentassistant.actalentservices.com/assistant/bookings/bgF9HVkt

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Farmington, CT.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Farmington,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 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.