Lab Technician

Lab Technician

Job Description

This role performs rapid microbiological testing on raw and processed meat samples to detect pathogens and indicator organisms, supporting safe, high-quality products and timely release decisions. The lab technician works in a modern, clean laboratory using advanced rapid microbiology methods and equipment while following strict regulatory, quality, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform rapid microbiological testing such as PCR, ATP, and immunoassay-based methods on raw and processed meat samples to detect pathogens and indicator organisms.

• Receive, label, and process meat samples according to validated methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and applicable regulatory requirements, including USDA/FSIS, FDA, and ISO guidelines.

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and testing equipment used for rapid microbiology analysis to ensure accurate and reliable results.

• Accurately document test results, quality control data, and any deviations in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other laboratory records.

• Follow strict aseptic techniques, biosafety protocols, and sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure sample integrity.

• Communicate test results clearly and promptly to supervisors and cross-functional teams to support timely product release and decision-making.

• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory workspace and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and laboratory safety standards.

• Participate in routine quality checks, equipment verifications, and process improvements to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency.

• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot testing issues, share best practices, and support continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with microbiology or biology laboratory techniques, including pipetting and routine lab testing.

• Ability to perform rapid microbiological methods such as PCR, ATP, and immunoassay-based testing.

• Strong attention to detail for accurate sample labeling, handling, and documentation.

• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, biosafety practices, and sanitation procedures in a laboratory setting.

• Ability to operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and testing equipment.

• Competence in documenting test results and quality control data in LIMS or laboratory records.

• Understanding of or ability to follow regulatory requirements such as USDA/FSIS, FDA, and ISO for laboratory testing.

• Knowledge of or ability to comply with GMP, HACCP, and laboratory safety standards.

• Effective communication skills to clearly convey results and issues to supervisors and cross-functional teams.

• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in a science-related field is preferred.

• If no degree, at least 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience is required.

• Background in biology, microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Experience working in a food, meat, or related industry laboratory environment is beneficial.

• Comfort working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar digital record systems.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, close-knit team and contribute to a supportive, fun culture.

• Interest in contributing to a growing facility that is bringing in new business and impacting the industry in the region.

Work Environment

The position is based in a new, very clean laboratory equipped with modern, state-of-the-art instruments for rapid microbiology testing. The initial shift runs Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with a first-shift schedule of Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The team is small, close, and highly collaborative, with a fun, supportive culture where colleagues help each other regularly. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and adherence to GMP, HACCP, and laboratory safety standards while providing the opportunity to work with new equipment in a growing facility that is expanding its impact in the Midwest.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Omaha,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.