Microbiology Sample Prep Technician

Job Title: Microbiology Sample Prep Technician Job Description This entry-level role supports a busy microbiology laboratory by preparing samples and materials for analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. The technician performs pre-prep and sample preparation tasks for higher-level laboratory staff, follows approved microbiological techniques and methodologies, and helps maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work area in a fast-paced testing environment. Responsibilities

- Prepare samples for analytical microbiological and chemistry testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples.
- Perform media and sample prep work to support technicians, including enrichment and gravimetric dilution procedures.
- Handle client samples in accordance with approved microbiological techniques and methodologies when assigned to prep activities.
- Apply aseptic techniques consistently, including changing gloves between samples to prevent cross contamination.
- Maintain media and reagents by preparing, labeling, and organizing materials as required for daily testing.
- Clean and sanitize work areas and glassware to support a safe and contamination-free laboratory environment.
- Perform basic quality control monitoring, such as recording incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, and running media controls.
- Potentially perform plating activities under guidance and according to established protocols.
- Receive, organize, and process samples efficiently to support fast turnaround times in a high-volume laboratory.
- Follow all laboratory procedures, safety guidelines, and documentation requirements with attention to detail.
- Collaborate with higher-level technicians and other team members to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of testing.
- Consistently demonstrate reliability by showing up on time, completing assigned tasks, and maintaining productivity in a fast-paced setting.

Essential Skills

- Previous laboratory experience with sample preparation in microbiology or related disciplines.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
- Familiarity with aseptic techniques, including changing gloves between samples to prevent cross contamination.
- Basic understanding of microbiology concepts and laboratory practices.
- Ability to perform media prep, enrichment, and gravimetric dilution following established protocols.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling samples and recording information.
- Capability to follow written procedures and approved methodologies for analytical testing.
- Comfort with routine cleaning and sanitation of work areas and glassware.
- Basic quality control awareness, including monitoring incubator temperatures and running media controls.
- Reliable work ethic, including consistent attendance and willingness to support higher-level technicians.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience in fast-paced environments such as recent bartending or restaurant work is highly valued.
- Exposure to laboratory receiving, sample processing, and sample enrichment activities is beneficial.
- Background or coursework in biology or microbiology is a plus.
- Formal degree is not required for this position, but any relevant scientific education is an advantage.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and high sample volumes.
- Strong communication skills to coordinate tasks with laboratory staff.
- Motivation to learn new laboratory techniques and grow within a larger lab group.
- Interest in long-term career development in microbiology or laboratory testing.

Work Environment This role is based in a fast-paced laboratory testing facility focused on microbiological and chemistry analysis of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. The technician works in a structured lab setting with incubators, media, reagents, and standard microbiology equipment, following established safety and contamination-control procedures. The environment involves handling multiple samples, adhering to strict protocols, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace throughout the shift. The laboratory has experienced steady growth and is part of a larger lab group, offering the potential for permanent employment for those who consistently perform well and support the teams high-volume testing operations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Antonio, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 San Antonio,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 [email protected] 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.