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Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician plays a key role in conducting microbiological testing to support food safety and quality. This onsite position is based at a headquarters laboratory in downtown St. Louis and involves preparing samples, performing analytical and microbial testing on food products, ingredients, environmental samples, and other matrices. The role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to approved microbiological techniques, and accurate documentation in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply aseptic technique consistently and correctly in all laboratory work.
• Prepare samples for analysis, including food products, ingredients, environmental samples, and other relevant matrices.
• Perform analytical and microbial testing for pathogens, indicator organisms, probiotics, and other microbes.
• Accurately execute established testing methods and interpret, read, and record test results.
• Document all sample preparation, quality control procedures, and analytical activities in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Complete required training and progressively take on more complex laboratory tasks and methods.
• Maintain organized, accurate data entry related to test results and laboratory activities.
• Work effectively as part of a fast-paced, goal-oriented team to meet testing schedules and business needs.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices to ensure a safe working environment.
• Support weekend testing or additional work as needed to meet business and project timelines.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related Life Science field.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of aseptic technique in a laboratory setting.
• Up to 1 year of laboratory experience in a commercial food testing or analytical laboratory (desirable but not required).
• General knowledge and experience in microbiological testing (desirable but not required).
• Familiarity with ISO standards or Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) (desirable but not required).
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and perform microbiological assays accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established methods and protocols.
• Capability to maintain accurate documentation and data entry for laboratory activities.
• Adequate color vision and depth perception to read results and work safely with laboratory materials.
• Physical ability for occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs and full dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and laboratory instruments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Science, Biology, or related scientific disciplines.
• Experience with microbiology techniques and working with bacteria and pathogens.
• Exposure to or experience with PCR and ELISA methods.
• Understanding of science-based quality control processes in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to work comfortably and productively in a dog-friendly environment.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to contribute to a fast-paced, goal-oriented laboratory team.

Work Environment

This is a full-time onsite laboratory role based at a headquarters facility in downtown St. Louis. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with occasional weekend work as needed to meet business demands and testing schedules. The laboratory operates in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment focused on food safety and microbiological analysis. Team members use computers and a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment to perform microbiological testing, including methods such as PCR and ELISA. The role requires full hand and finger dexterity, adequate color vision and depth perception, and the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. The facility is dog-friendly, and employees should be comfortable working in an environment where dogs may be present.

This is a Contract position based out of St. Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in St. Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.