Microbiology Technologist
The Microbiology Technologist supports R&D activities by preparing microbiological media, maintaining bacterial cultures under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and performing small-scale microbial fermentations. The role involves molecular biology workflows such as genomic DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing sample preparation, ensuring rigorous documentation and adherence to laboratory safety standards. This position requires strong attention to detail, independent problem-solving skills, and collaboration within a cross-functional team in a modern laboratory 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 contract role supports R&D microbiology and fermentation work in a modern laboratory setting. You will run routine microbiology and molecular workflows, maintain cultures, and document results to support product development and quality activities for a confidential client.
- Prepare microbiological media following established protocols.
- Maintain and handle bacterial cultures under aerobic and anaerobic conditions using aseptic technique.
- Revive archived cultures and prepare glycerol stocks for long-term storage.
- Perform aseptic transfers and routine microbiology techniques to prevent contamination.
- Extract genomic DNA and prepare samples for 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Run small-scale microbial fermentations (shake-flask level); monitor growth and record observations.
- Accurately document methods, results, and deviations in lab notebooks or LIMS.
- Follow SOPs and laboratory safety procedures at all times.
- Troubleshoot basic experimental issues and escalate complex problems appropriately.
- Collaborate with cross-functional R&D team members to support ongoing projects.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications — candidates must meet these to be considered:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
- ~1 year of laboratory experience (academic labs, internships, or industry experience acceptable).
- Hands-on exposure to microbiology techniques and safe handling of microbial cultures.
- Familiarity with aseptic technique and basic molecular biology methods.
- Strong attention to detail and accurate experimental documentation skills.
- Ability to follow SOPs and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
Preferred / additional skills:
- Experience preparing media and maintaining cultures under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- Experience reviving archived cultures and creating glycerol stocks.
- Experience extracting genomic DNA and prepping samples for 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Exposure to small-scale microbial fermentations and monitoring culture performance.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
Location & Logistics
- Workplace type: Fully onsite in Atlanta, GA (R&D laboratory).
- Contract length: Initially ~6 months with potential to extend up to 1 year.
- Employment type: Contractor (temporary R&D assignment).
- Typical environment: Modern research & development center with dedicated fermentation and microbiology labs; standard lab PPE and safety practices required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $20.00/hr (hourly; range provided by the client).
- Actual pay offered will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for temporary roles may include: medical, dental & vision; 401(k) options; voluntary life and AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; and paid time off — eligibility depends on classification and length of assignment.
Application deadline (anticipated): Oct 28, 2026.
Other important information
Careertakes and our client follow applicable federal, state, and local hiring laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please contact Careertakes if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.
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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