Microbiology Supervisor

### Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor to lead and support a team within a clinical and public health laboratory environment. This position will oversee seven laboratory professionals and will combine hands-on laboratory work with leadership, quality oversight, method validation, documentation, and administrative responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong clinical microbiology background, previous experience overseeing laboratory projects, and hands-on experience with test validation and/or quality control. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced microbiologist looking to take on a leadership role while remaining technically involved in laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead, coach, train, and supervise a team of seven Microbiology and Biotechnology laboratory professionals.
- Support employee development through ongoing training, competency assessments, coaching, and technical guidance.
- Manage and approve changes to laboratory testing methods, procedures, and workflows to maintain quality, regulatory compliance, and appropriate turnaround times.
- Maintain hands-on technical expertise and bench competency within Microbiology and Biotechnology testing, including BT, PulseNet, and rabies testing.
- Oversee the implementation and ongoing use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Ensure microbiology and biotechnology test results are accurate, properly documented, reviewed, and reported.
- Develop, validate, verify, and implement new laboratory testing procedures, methodologies, and equipment.
- Design and oversee test validation studies and laboratory quality assurance activities.
- Create, review, approve, and maintain SOPs and other laboratory documentation.
- Oversee laboratory equipment throughout its lifecycle, including vendor negotiations, purchasing justifications, validation, maintenance reviews, and IQCP compliance.
- Monitor laboratory quality systems, including reports, temperature logs, reagent records, and equipment documentation.
- Compile, analyze, and report laboratory and public health data in support of research and surveillance initiatives.
- Provide technical consultation and subject matter expertise to laboratory leadership, healthcare providers, and public health partners.
- Educate clients and stakeholders on available testing services, specimen submission requirements, test selection, and result interpretation.
- Deliver presentations, training, and outreach to healthcare professionals, students, public health agencies, and members of the public.
- Support clinical laboratories throughout Iowa through testing assistance, technical consultation, and outreach.
- Assist with grant-funded laboratory initiatives, including Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant components.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:

- Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology with 5+ years of clinical microbiology experience , OR
- Master's Degree in Microbiology with 2-3 years of clinical microbiology experience .

Additionally required:

- At least 1 year of experience overseeing laboratory projects involving test validation and/or quality control.
- Strong knowledge of clinical microbiology laboratory practices, quality systems, and documentation.
- Ability to balance people leadership responsibilities with hands-on laboratory and administrative work.

Schedule & Work Environment

- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Rotating holiday coverage
- Some weekend coverage may be required
- Supervisory responsibility for a team of seven
- Combination of hands-on laboratory work and computer/administrative responsibilities

Why This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to combine technical microbiology expertise with laboratory leadership . The individual will remain connected to hands-on laboratory operations while having the opportunity to mentor staff, oversee quality and validation initiatives, implement new testing methods, and support laboratories and public health partners throughout Iowa.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Iowa City, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Iowa City, IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Iowa City,IA. 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.