<p>Job Title: Lab Technician</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>We are seeking a dedicated Microbiological Lab Analyst to join our team in a small microbiology testing lab. You will play a key role in analyzing food, beverage, and environmental samples, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data, while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Receive, log, and label incoming samples in compliance with chain-of-custody procedures. </li><li>Verify sample integrity and storage conditions upon arrival. </li><li>Perform qualitative and quantitative testing for pathogens and indicator organisms using qPCR or ELFA technologies. </li><li>Assist in conducting shelf-life studies, challenge studies, and environmental monitoring analyses. </li><li>Prepare, dilute, and plate samples using standard ISO, BAM, USDA-FSIS, and FDA methods. </li><li>Record and verify all necessary lab data for accuracy before releasing client pathogen reports. </li><li>Communicate findings to experienced staff and assist with client inquiries. </li><li>Follow all laboratory safety protocols and maintain a contamination-free workspace. </li><li>Adhere to ISO quality management standards and regulatory compliance requirements. </li><li>Operate and maintain general lab equipment, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot issues. </li><li>Assist with proficiency testing and participate in internal training programs. </li><li>Support special projects, including new product testing. </li></ul> <p>Essential Skills</p> <ul> <li>Proficiency in microbiology and laboratory techniques. </li><li>Experience with PCR, pipetting, sterile processing, titration, and aseptic technique. </li><li>Ability to adapt to changing workflows. </li><li>Strong data entry skills with a focus on accuracy. </li><li>1 or 2 years of experience with a degree, or 4 or 5 years without a degree. </li></ul> <p>Additional Skills & Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Basic microbiology testing on food. </li><li>Experience in titrations and pipetting. </li><li>Capability to maintain aseptic techniques. </li><li>Ability to adapt to workflow changes. </li></ul> <p>Work Environment</p> <p>You will work in a small, relaxed microbiology testing lab that provides data for clients. The lab does not manufacture products but focuses on sample analysis. The workflow can fluctuate based on client demands, and the lab operates on a rotating shift from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Tuesday to Saturday, finishing around 1:30 pm on Saturdays.</p> <p>Job Type & Location</p> <p>This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Farmington, CT.</p> <p>Pay and Benefits</p> <p>The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.</p> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li>Medical, dental & vision </li><li>Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital </li><li>401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available </li><li>Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) </li><li>Short and long-term disability </li><li>Health Spending Account (HSA) </li><li>Transportation benefits </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) </li></ul> <p>Workplace Type</p> <p>This is a fully onsite position in Farmington,CT.</p> <p>Application Deadline</p> <p>This position is anticipated to close on Apr 15, 2026.</p> <p>Diversity, Equity & Inclusion</p> <p>At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:</p> <ul> <li>Hiring diverse talent </li><li>Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection </li><li>Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes </li><li>Ensuring growth opportunities for our people </li></ul> <p>Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.</p> <p>About Actalent</p> <p>Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.</p> <p>Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.</p>