• Clinical Laboratory Microbiology Technician

    Actalent (Iowa City, IA)


    Clinical Laboratory Microbiology Technician

    Job Description

    Apply advanced knowledge of clinical lab testing to perform independent work and train others. Adapt and modify lab methods to solve complex problems and validate new tests. Handle sample processing, including integrity checks, data verification, and bacterial culturing.

    Responsibilities

    + Send samples to CDC and regional labs for specialized testing.

    + Conduct small animal necropsies and prepare brain samples for rabies testing.

    + Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of lab instruments such as MALDI-ToF and Illumina MiSeq.

    + Perform whole genome sequencing and analyze data using bioinformatics tools like Bionumerics and BugSeq.

    + Document patient testing per CLIA regulations and write SOPs and validation studies.

    + Promote and troubleshoot quality control, initiate corrective actions, and support QA/QI efforts.

    + Monitor reagent inventory and expiration, and recommend equipment upgrades as needed.

    + Oversee testing operations for microbiology, bioterrorism response, and quality assurance programs.

    Essential Skills

    + Microbiology

    + Laboratory operations

    + Medical laboratory testing

    + Sample processing

    + Medical laboratory procedures

    + CLIA regulations

    + Bacteriology

    + Biology

    + Cell culture

    + Immunology

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, clinical lab science, or related field—or equivalent education and experience.

    + Minimum of 4 years’ experience performing high-complexity clinical testing using traditional and molecular methods.

    + Experience in bacteriology and microbiology.

    + Prior work in public health and clinical testing laboratories.

    + Certification as MLS or MLT by ASCP or AMT is highly desirable.

    + Experience with QA procedures, lab safety protocols, and Windows-based systems.

    + Familiarity with high-volume, fast-paced clinical lab environments.

    + Ability to report results and maintain quality standards in diagnostic testing.

    + Ability to provide college transcripts prior to interviewing to ensure meeting CLIA regulations.

    Work Environment

    Work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some rotating holiday and weekend work will be required, as well as on-call coverage.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Iowa City, Iowa.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $26.00/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)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Iowa City,IA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2025.

    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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.