Laboratory Technician

Lab Technician – Microbiology

Location: St. Louis, MO

Worksite: Onsite at Nestlé Purina Headquarters – Downtown St. Louis

Pay Rate: $ 23.41/hour

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a Lab Technician – Microbiology to join our team onsite at the Nestlé Purina Headquarters in downtown St. Louis. This position is ideal for a science-focused professional who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and is interested in microbiological testing, food safety, and quality.

The Lab Technician will perform approved microbiological techniques and methodologies, prepare samples, and conduct analytical and microbial testing of food products, ingredients, environmental samples, and other sample matrices.

Local candidates are preferred. Candidates must be comfortable working in a dog-friendly environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply proper aseptic technique to all laboratory work.

• Prepare and analyze samples for pathogens, indicator organisms, probiotics, and other microorganisms.

• Perform microbiological testing accurately and according to established methods.

• Read, interpret, and document testing results.

• Maintain accurate documentation of sample preparation, quality control, and analytical activities.

• Follow laboratory procedures, quality standards, and applicable safety requirements.

• Complete required training to progress to more complex laboratory tasks.

• Work effectively in a fast-paced, goal-oriented team environment.

• Support additional laboratory activities and schedules as needed to meet business requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a Life Science preferred/required for the role.

• Knowledge of aseptic technique .

• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document laboratory activities.

• Ability to follow established testing procedures and protocols.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ year of laboratory experience, particularly in a commercial food-testing or analytical laboratory.

• Knowledge of ISO 17025 or Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) .

• General knowledge and hands-on experience with microbiological testing.

• Background in microbiology, food safety, food science, biology, bacteria, or pathogen testing.

Relevant laboratory experience may be considered even if it is not specifically within a commercial food-testing laboratory.

Physical Requirements

• Full dexterity and use of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment and computers and perform required testing tasks.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented laboratory environment.

• Color vision and depth perception are required.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds .

• Ability to work comfortably in a dog-friendly workplace .

Schedule & Availability

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM

• Weekend work may occasionally be required based on business needs or schedules.

• Training schedules may vary depending on operational requirements.

Education Requirement

High School diploma or GED equivalent required.

A Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a Life Science is required/preferred based on the position's qualification criteria.

Key Skills

Microbiology | Food Safety | Food Science | Laboratory Testing | Biology | Bacteria | Pathogen Testing | Aseptic Technique | Quality Control | Analytical Testing

Why Join This Team?

This is an excellent opportunity to gain or expand hands-on experience in microbiology, food safety, and analytical laboratory testing while working in a professional, fast-paced environment at a well-known food and pet-care organization.

Pay Rate: $ 23.41/hour

Location: Downtown St. Louis, MO

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM

Pay Details: $23.41 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: 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.