QC Microbiologist I

Job Title: QC Microbiologist I / Scientist I, Microbiology

Job Description

This role works in a cGMP-compliant QC Microbiology Laboratory supporting the manufacture and release of biological products. You perform routine and specialized microbiological testing, contribute to validation activities, and support GMP manufacturing through accurate, timely, and compliant laboratory work. You also help ensure that sample flow, supply chain, and equipment disposition are maintained in alignment with quality and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Perform bioburden and bacterial endotoxin testing for water, in-process, and product samples in a GMP microbiology laboratory.
• Conduct microbiological testing including bioburden, bacterial endotoxin testing, growth promotion, biological indicators, and stock cultures.
• Support bioburden and endotoxin validation work to ensure methods and systems meet regulatory and internal quality requirements.
• Draft and revise controlled documents such as SOPs, test records, out-of-specification (OOS) investigations, summary reports, and supporting documentation.
• Write and technically interpret controlled documents and reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with cGMP standards.
• Review, analyze, and summarize microbiological data with guidance, ensuring data integrity and proper documentation.
• Initiate investigations when required, including OOS and other quality-related events, and contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Interact with cross-functional departments to ensure proper sample flow into the laboratory and timely testing of materials.
• Coordinate with other departments to maintain supply chain continuity and appropriate equipment disposition to support laboratory operations.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain required inventory levels according to established SOPs.
• Arrange and manage the receipt of samples into the laboratory, ensuring correct labeling, handling, and documentation.
• Maintain and promote safe laboratory practices, following all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Use aseptic techniques consistently while handling samples to prevent contamination and ensure reliable test results.
• Apply general microbiological techniques such as light microscopy, gram staining, and microbial taxonomy and identification in routine work.
• Support GMP manufacturing activities and release testing through accurate, timely, and compliant microbiological analyses.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of microbiology experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiency in bioburden testing and bacterial endotoxin testing.
• Practical experience with general microbiological techniques, including light microscopy and gram staining.
• Familiarity with microbial taxonomy and identification.
• Ability to write, interpret, and follow controlled documents such as SOPs, test records, investigations, and reports.
• Experience working with laboratory documentation and quality systems such as LIMS, Trackwise, and Documentum.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and cGMP compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in a regulated QC laboratory environment supporting biological product manufacturing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Biology is required; a degree in Microbiology is preferred.
• A minimum of one year of work experience within the biological and/or pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
• A graduate degree and appropriate hands-on college coursework may substitute at an equivalent rate for required experience.
• Experience drafting SOPs, test records, OOS investigations, and summary reports.
• Ability to analyze and summarize microbiological data with guidance.
• Strong organizational skills to manage sample flow, inventory, and documentation in a busy QC lab.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support investigations.
• Comfort working with cGMP guidelines and quality system requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $31.00/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 Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.