Associate Microbiologist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Microbiologist - USP Lab

Job Description

The role of Associate Microbiologist in the USP Lab involves routine analysis of dietary supplements and proprietary blends. The position requires the use of various media and dilutions to test for pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Additionally, the role involves plating for yeast, mold, and total plate count. Future opportunities for training in the Probiotics lab, including enumeration of probiotic samples and flow cytometry, are available.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine analysis of dietary supplements and proprietary blends.
• Utilize different types of media and dilutions for testing.
• Test for pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
• Perform plating for yeast, mold, and total plate count.
• Engage in probiotic sample enumeration and flow cytometry as training progresses.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, etc.).
• 0-1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or food service position.
• Strong microbiology, biology, and aseptic technique skills.
• Experience in food testing or food service is advantageous.
• Ability to multi-task and high attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PCR and ELISA testing experience is a plus.
• Experience with various styles of pipettes and micropipettes, particularly multi-channel electronic pipettes.
• Ask about food allergies.

Work Environment

The role is based in a lab setting focused on dietary microbiology and probiotics testing. The environment is fast-paced and requires meeting client timeframes, akin to production work. The microbiology department has around 20 employees, distinct from the chemistry lab. The laboratory is part of a larger organization with 415 employees in Madison and 800 employees overall. The company offers advancement opportunities, a bonus program, and potential pay increases based on performance. The team operates in a new building and enjoys a collaborative and supportive work culture.

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

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.