Quality Control Technician (QC Microbiologist) @ Actalent

Job Title: Quality Control Technician (QC Microbiologist)Job DescriptionThis contract Quality Control Technician (QC Microbiologist) role provides primarily hands-on microbiological testing support within a cGMP quality control laboratory. The position is 100% onsite and focuses on day-to-day microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process solutions, and finished products, as well as supporting laboratory operations. Depending on experience and qualifications, you may also contribute to data review and laboratory investigations. This is a highly repetitive, non-research role that is approximately 80% lab-based with some desk work, offering the opportunity to grow into a higher-level position over time.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process solutions, and finished products in a cGMP QC laboratory.
• Conduct bioburden testing, growth promotion testing, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, microbial identification, and other assigned microbiological assays.
• Execute compendial microbiological tests in accordance with applicable guidelines and internal procedures.
• Accurately document all testing activities, observations, and results in compliance with cGMP and data-integrity requirements.
• Support data review activities and assist with laboratory investigations as qualified and assigned.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, including routine checks, basic troubleshooting, and coordination of service as needed.
• Manage laboratory supplies by monitoring inventory levels, requesting replenishment, and ensuring materials are properly stored and labeled.
• Contribute to general laboratory organization, including maintaining clean and orderly workspaces and adhering to established workflows.
• Follow all applicable safety protocols, quality standards, and aseptic techniques to ensure reliable and compliant test results.
• Communicate testing status, issues, and potential delays clearly and promptly to laboratory leadership and relevant team members.
• Work independently after training and qualification, while collaborating effectively with QC Chemistry and QC Microbiology colleagues.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Experience working in a microbiology laboratory environment (preferred).
• Familiarity with cGMP principles and practices in a laboratory setting (preferred).
• Experience with compendial microbiological testing methods (preferred).
• Hands-on skills in microbiological techniques such as bioburden testing, growth promotion testing, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, and microbial identification.
• Proficiency with aseptic technique to prevent contamination and ensure accurate microbiological results.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accurate, complete, and compliant documentation.
• Ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks with consistency and high quality.
• Capability to work independently following training and qualification, while adhering to established procedures.
• Effective communication skills to report testing progress, issues, and potential delays.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and data integrity in all laboratory activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree or higher in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline is welcome, with the understanding that this is a highly repetitive, non-research role.
• Interest in long-term growth within quality control, with the potential to transition to a permanent position and advance into higher-level roles.
• Comfort working in a structured, cGMP-regulated environment with standardized procedures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional QC teams, including QC Chemistry and QC Microbiology.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, maintain laboratory order, and meet timelines.
• Reliability in adhering to established schedules and onsite work requirements.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based 100% onsite in a QC laboratory and office setting, with approximately 80% of the work performed at the bench and the remainder involving desk-based tasks such as documentation and data review. The position is highly repetitive and does not involve research activities, focusing instead on standardized, cGMP-compliant microbiological testing. You will work in a lab of around 30 people split between QC Chemistry and QC Microbiology, where teams collaborate closely and maintain a supportive, cooperative culture.

The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and data integrity, with routine use of microbiological testing equipment and standard laboratory technologies. The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and candidates must be available to work onsite in Cary, IL during these hours, following appropriate laboratory attire and safety practices.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cary, IL.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Cary,IL.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.