Entry Level Microbiology Lab Technician I
The Entry Level Microbiology Lab Technician I role involves performing microbiological testing on food products, including sample preparation, plating, incubation, and colony counting, while maintaining strict aseptic and safety standards. This on-site position in Columbus, Ohio offers foundational laboratory experience with opportunities for growth into advanced technical and leadership roles within a quality testing environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level Microbiology Lab Technician I role is hands-on work in a food/quality testing laboratory. You will join a plating team performing routine microbiological testing, maintaining documentation, and following strict lab safety and aseptic procedures.
- Prepare microbiological samples by accurately weighing, blending, and processing materials per protocols
- Perform plating, culturing, and incubation of samples using established microbiological methods
- Pour agar plates and prepare media and broth to support tests and analyses
- Conduct colony counting, read plates, and record microbial growth results
- Enter and maintain test results and associated data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Apply aseptic technique consistently to avoid contamination and ensure data integrity
- Monitor incubations and testing timelines; escalate issues or unexpected results to leadership
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked laboratory workspace and equipment
- Collaborate with lab team members to meet testing deadlines and continuous improvement goals
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related scientific discipline
- Basic hands-on experience with plating, culturing, or media preparation is preferred
- Familiarity with aseptic technique and general laboratory safety practices
- Ability to use LIMS or other laboratory data systems (training can be provided for candidates with limited LIMS experience)
- Strong attention to detail and good documentation habits
- Good communication skills and ability to work on a team in a fast-paced lab environment
- Willingness to work onsite in a staffed laboratory and adhere to site policies
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract-to-Hire, full-time position based onsite in Grandview Heights, OH (Greater Columbus area).
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $20.00 per hour (hourly rate shown in source)
- Benefits (if eligible) may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth options
- Voluntary life and AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability
- Health Savings Account (HSA) options
- Employee assistance program and paid time off
- Other site-specific or eligibility-dependent benefits
Note: Individual compensation within the posted range depends on qualifications, experience, job knowledge, and other relevant factors. Benefits and eligibility are subject to program terms and may change.
Workplace Type
- Fully onsite in Grandview Heights, OH. This position requires working in a staffed laboratory environment.
About Confidential Client
Confidential Client is a provider of scientific testing and quality assurance services specializing in food microbiology and laboratory analysis. This role offers a strong foundation for growth into advanced technical, quality, regulatory, or leadership positions within laboratory science.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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