Weekend Microbiologist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on performing a wide range of microbiological quality control tests to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance of skincare and sunscreen products. You will work in a cGMP-compliant microbiology laboratory, supporting rapid company growth by delivering accurate, timely testing results and contributing to continuous improvement in quality processes.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and test products for microbial evaluation at various stages of the production process to determine their quality status.
• Perform daily cleaning of the microbiology laboratory and equipment while strictly following safety guidelines, company procedures, and policies.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of supplies and chemicals required for microbial testing, ensuring materials are available when needed.
• Receive samples for microbial testing, inspect containers for integrity, verify label information, and log samples into the sample receiving logbook.
• Calibrate microbial testing equipment as required and record all calibration results in the daily logbook.
• Prepare supplies and perform environmental monitoring (EM) sampling of routine laboratory hoods and scheduled manufacturing and filling areas in accordance with USP <795>.
• Prepare and autoclave media and reagents required for microbial testing, ensuring proper sterilization and documentation.
• Conduct growth promotion and sterility testing of new media and reagent lots prior to release, following USP <61> methods.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently when performing all microbial testing to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Perform Microbial Limit Testing and suitability testing in accordance with USP <60>, <61>, and <62>, Antimicrobial Preservative Effectiveness testing per USP <51>, and water testing in line with USP <1231>.
• Perform Rapid Microbiological Methods (RMM) testing per USP <1071> on finished products, bulk materials, and stability samples, and schedule testing to support on-time product release.
• Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as provided in training, and accurately record, file, and retain paperwork and samples in compliance with cGMP requirements.
• Adhere to proper gowning procedures and requirements in the microbiology lab during all testing and related activities.
• Compile and evaluate microbiological data to determine the quality status of bulk products, finished products, stability samples, and other special tests as assigned.
• Communicate test results, observations, and critical findings clearly and promptly to relevant team members, and participate in team meetings as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility to work weekends and late hours when required to meet production and testing demands.

Essential Skills

• 2–3 years of experience working in a microbiology laboratory within a pharmaceutical, personal care, or industrial environment (1 year may be considered but 2 years is preferred).
• 2–3 years of QA/QC microbial laboratory experience in the pharmaceutical or related industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, life sciences, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience working under USP testing environments, specifically USP <60>, <61>, <62>, and <51>.
• Proficiency with autoclave operation for media and reagent preparation and sterilization.
• Experience with environmental monitoring activities, including adherence to USP <757> guidelines.
• Experience performing water testing by filtration, including bioburden assessments and plating techniques.
• Microbiology laboratory practices, including aseptic technique, sterility testing, microbial limit testing, and quality control procedures.
• Working knowledge of cGMP requirements and experience operating in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Comfort working with microbial lab media, disinfectants, and chemicals, and using appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in personal care or industrial laboratory settings is preferred.
• Familiarity with rapid microbiological methods (RMM) and USP <1071> testing is beneficial.
• Ability to compile, interpret, and report microbiological data accurately and clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to meeting or exceeding expectations of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative, congenial, and engaged team mindset, with a desire to contribute to mutual success within the department and broader organization.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt easily to changing situations, requirements, and priorities.
• Interest in identifying unmet needs and contributing to solutions that support the broader organization.
• Ability to engage effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, training, and experience.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift role in a cGMP-compliant microbiology laboratory. The typical schedule is either 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for a possible rotating schedule and weekend availability in case of overtime. You will work with microbiological media, reagents, disinfectants, and laboratory equipment including autoclaves and filtration systems, following aseptic gowning procedures and established safety protocols. The environment is fast-paced, growth-oriented, and focused on innovation in mineral-based skin care, offering opportunities for professional development and advancement as the facility expands.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bolingbrook, IL.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $31.00/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 Bolingbrook,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 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.