Research Microbiologist

Job Title: Microbiology Research Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Microbiology Research Specialist to join our team. This role involves researching, maintaining, and cataloging a diverse array of microorganisms using aseptic techniques to develop new bacterial fermentation methods and prospective byproducts. The ideal candidate will perform DNA isolation, PCR, and electrophoresis, prepare media, buffers, and reagents, assist in experimental design and data analysis, and maintain accurate laboratory records.

Responsibilities

• Research, maintain, and catalog microorganisms using aseptic techniques.

• Run research projects from start to finish to develop new bacterial fermentation methods.

• Perform DNA isolation, PCR, and electrophoresis.

• Prepare media, buffers, and reagents.

• Assist in experimental design, troubleshooting, interpretation, and data analysis.

• Keep accurate and comprehensive records in a laboratory notebook.

• Assist with developing standard operating procedures for new laboratory techniques.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and a clean workspace.

• Stay up to date on scientific literature.

Essential Skills

• Strong background in microbiology.

• Experience with bacterial culture and research projects.

• Proven ability to run a research project.

• Knowledge of microbiological processes and bacterial growth testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Biochemistry, HPLC, or fermentation experience is a huge plus.

• Skills in serial dilutions, pipetting, micropipetting, titrations, gel electrophoresis, bacterial cloning, plasmid isolation, protein purification, PCR, qPCR, and DNA isolation.

• Experience with experimental design, sterile and aseptic techniques, and antimicrobial processes.

• Familiarity with BSL 1-4, colony counting, and enumerations.

Work Environment

The position is based in the office and micro lab, operating on a first shift schedule from Monday through Friday. Flexible hours are available with typical start times ranging between 7 am and 8 am, totaling 40 to 45 hours per week. The work environment is supportive, ensuring employees are well taken care of.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wauwatosa, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.04 - $36.06/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 Wauwatosa,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.