Microbiology Lab Technician

Job Title: Electron Microscopy Technologist / Microbiology Lab TechnicianJob Description

This role supports diagnostic and research laboratory operations by performing advanced specimen preparation and electron microscopy techniques. The technologist prepares tissue specimens, operates transmission and/or scanning electron microscopes, captures and archives high-quality images, and partners closely with pathology and laboratory teams to deliver accurate and timely results. The position is ideal for a professional with strong experience in histology, tissue processing, and electron microscopy within a clinical, hospital, academic, or research laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue specimens for electron microscopy, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.

• Perform ultramicrotomy and specialized histology techniques to support high-quality specimen preparation.

• Operate and maintain transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and/or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment in a clinical or research setting.

• Capture, process, and archive diagnostic-quality digital electron microscopy images for scientific and diagnostic review.

• Perform routine quality control procedures and ensure compliance with laboratory standards and regulatory requirements.

• Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities as needed.

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, documentation, and logs for all procedures and equipment.

• Collaborate with pathologists, physicians, and laboratory personnel to support testing workflows and patient care activities.

• Apply microbiology, aseptic technique, sterilization, and decontamination practices to maintain a safe and contamination-free work area.

• Adhere to established safety, infection prevention, and quality assurance procedures at all times.

• Support laboratory quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives by following standardized protocols and contributing to process enhancements.

• Assist with inventory management, including monitoring laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables, and communicating replenishment needs.

• Balance multiple priorities and assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting turnaround times and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience operating Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) and/or Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM).

• Proficiency in preparation of tissue specimens, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.

• Experience with ultramicrotomy and specialized histology techniques in a clinical, pathology, academic, or research laboratory.

• Minimum of 2 years of recent electron microscopy experience in a clinical, pathology, academic, or research laboratory setting.

• Strong understanding of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and troubleshooting instrumentation issues.

• Knowledge of microbiology, specimen processing, and pathology laboratory workflows.

• Competence in sterilization, decontamination, and aseptic technique.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a surgical pathology or histology laboratory environment.

• Familiarity with capturing, processing, and archiving diagnostic-quality electron microscopy images using digital imaging systems.

• Comfort working with both diagnostic and research-focused laboratory protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to follow standardized operating procedures and contribute to continuous process improvement.

• Experience collaborating with pathologists, physicians, and other laboratory professionals in a multidisciplinary setting.

• Capability to adapt to evolving laboratory techniques, technologies, and workflow changes.

• Interest in long-term career growth within electron microscopy, histology, or pathology laboratory disciplines.

• Eligibility to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and supplemental protection plans, as offered by the staffing organization.

Work Environment

This position is based in a surgical pathology histology laboratory located in Portland, OR. The role supports a day-shift schedule consisting of five 8-hour shifts per week, typically from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The assignment is structured as a 13-week engagement with the potential for extension; conversion to permanent employment is not guaranteed. The environment is a clinical and research-focused laboratory setting where advanced electron microscopy, histology, and microbiology techniques are routinely performed. You will work with transmission electron microscopes (TEM), scanning electron microscopes (SEM), ultramicrotomes, and other specialized histology and pathology equipment. The lab emphasizes strict adherence to safety, infection prevention, aseptic technique, and regulatory compliance. The pace is fast, with multiple concurrent priorities and a strong focus on accuracy, quality control, and timely turnaround of results. The broader employment package may include access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, health savings accounts, hospital cost protection, critical illness and accident protection, health advocacy services, employee assistance programs, life and disability coverage, transportation benefits, a 401(k) plan, and affinity programs, supporting both professional and personal well-being.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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 Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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.