Microbiologist

Job Title: MicrobiologistJob Description

The Microbiologist provides microbiology Quality Control support to enable timely product release while maintaining strict compliance with applicable procedures, USP methodologies, and laboratory standards. In this senior role, you perform routine and complex microbiological testing, ensure the laboratory remains clean, organized, and inspection-ready, and maintain accurate, complete documentation of all activities. You work independently with minimal supervision, collaborate closely with Chemistry, R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams, and provide direction and guidance to microbiology lab technicians.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology Quality Control analyses in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and applicable USP methods, including USP , , , , and .

• Conduct a full range of microbiological tests such as Total Aerobic Plate Count, Total Anaerobic Plate Count, Total Yeast and Molds Count, pathogen screening, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, method suitability testing, and Gram staining.

• Execute routine microbiology laboratory maintenance activities, including media preparation, growth promotion testing, microorganism growth promotion, stock culture and reference organism maintenance, and basic housekeeping for the microbiology laboratory.

• Perform equipment calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance to ensure instruments remain in proper working condition and ready for audits.

• Carry out environmental monitoring activities to support product quality and regulatory compliance.

• Accurately document all laboratory testing, observations, calculations, and results in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Documentation Practice (GDP), and company procedures.

• Review laboratory data for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to procedures before submission or reporting.

• Identify, troubleshoot, and communicate testing issues, unexpected results, equipment concerns, or other laboratory problems to appropriate personnel.

• Assist with the preparation, revision, validation, and implementation of laboratory procedures, SOPs, work instructions, and other laboratory documentation.

• Maintain the microbiology laboratory in a clean, organized, audit-ready condition and ensure adequate supplies are available, including responsibility for supplies purchasing as needed.

• Provide microbiology Quality Control support to enable on-time product release for a range of products, including personal care, infection prevention, and related product categories.

• Practice Good Laboratory Practice and Good Documentation Practice in all QC test-related activities and ensure compliance with cGMP and internal quality standards.

• Comply with company policies and procedures, including safety, attendance, quality, and GMP requirements, while maintaining confidentiality of company, product, laboratory, and quality-related information.

• Communicate effectively with laboratory personnel and colleagues from Quality, Manufacturing, and other functional areas to coordinate testing and resolve issues.

• Participate in training, maintain required qualifications for assigned procedures and equipment, and stay current with laboratory practices and regulatory expectations.

• Work independently with minimal supervision while providing regular updates on progress, concerns, and laboratory issues.

• Provide direction, guidance, and developmental support to microbiology lab technicians and other laboratory personnel as needed.

• Develop new laboratory procedures and improve existing methods to support changing business and regulatory needs.

• Perform procedure validation and suitability testing for microbiological methods.

• Support daily laboratory operations, including supplies management and basic housekeeping activities to ensure the lab is always ready to support the business.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by laboratory leadership.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related scientific field.

• Minimum of 2 years of microbiology laboratory experience, with 2-5 years of work experience in a microbiology QC laboratory strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of current microbiology laboratory practices and techniques, including media preparation, plating, and culture handling.

• Familiarity with microbiological testing methods and laboratory procedures, including Total Aerobic and Anaerobic Plate Count, Total Yeast and Molds Count, pathogen screening, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, suitability testing, and Gram staining.

• Experience with USP methodologies and criteria, including USP , , , and , and related microbiological standards.

• Prior experience in a cGMP, GLP, and GDP environment, ideally within an FDA-regulated or GMP manufacturing setting.

• Ability to apply Good Laboratory Practice and Good Documentation Practice consistently to all QC test-related activities.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests, recording data, and reviewing results.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to accurately complete laboratory documentation and maintain organized records.

• Ability to follow established procedures and instructions consistently and recognize when deviations or issues require escalation.

• Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.

• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word and related software used for documentation and reporting.

• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership capability to provide direction to microbiology lab technicians and help develop laboratory personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment working in a microbiology laboratory, particularly in pharmaceutical, OTC, personal care, or food industries.

• Hands-on experience with microorganism growth promotion, microorganism maintenance, and growth promotion testing.

• Experience making microbiological media, plating samples, and handling culture samples in a QC setting.

• Familiarity with environmental monitoring practices in a microbiology laboratory.

• Prior exposure to FDA-regulated or GMP manufacturing environments and understanding of regulatory expectations.

• Strong ability to recognize and communicate laboratory problems or testing concerns promptly and clearly.

• Demonstrated ability to be a team player, collaborating with cross-functional partners in Quality, Manufacturing, Chemistry, and R&D.

• Comfort working as the senior microbiologist in the lab, providing guidance and support to technicians and junior staff.

• Experience developing, revising, and implementing laboratory SOPs, work instructions, and related documentation.

• General understanding of infection prevention, personal care, bath and body care, hand hygiene, baby care, first aid antiseptics, disinfectants, and surgical instrument care product categories is beneficial.

Work Environment

This role is based in a microbiology laboratory within a GMP manufacturing environment that supports a growing portfolio of products such as hand sanitizers, hand soaps, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and innovative spray and waterless shampoo and soap lines. You work primarily at the bench performing microbiological tests, preparing media, handling cultures, and maintaining equipment in a clean, organized, and audit-ready space. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to GLP, GDP, and cGMP standards, with regular interaction with Chemistry, R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams. Initial training is conducted on the first shift, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for approximately 2-3 months. After training, the regular schedule transitions to an afternoon/evening shift from 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The culture values collaboration, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities to contribute as a senior technical resource while supporting a dynamic and expanding product line.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $37.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Streamwood,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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.

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