Food Safety Microbiologist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Food Safety Microbiologist

Job Description

The Food Safety Microbiologist designs, executes, and interprets microbiology-based shelf life studies for food and beverage products to ensure product safety, quality, and stability. This role manages studies from initial setup through final data analysis, performs microbiological testing, and clearly documents and communicates findings to support internal and external reporting needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute microbiology-based shelf life studies for a variety of food and beverage products.
• Set up shelf life studies, including preparing samples, establishing appropriate controls, and defining testing parameters.
• Prepare, label, and manage samples throughout the study lifecycle to maintain traceability and integrity.
• Perform microbiological testing at defined intervals during the study to assess product safety, quality, and stability.
• Work with foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms in accordance with relevant regulatory standards and internal procedures.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently to prevent contamination and ensure reliable test results.
• Track, analyze, and interpret microbiological data to determine product stability and shelf life.
• Document all procedures, observations, and results clearly and accurately in laboratory records and reports.
• Prepare and support client or internal reports by summarizing study methods, results, and conclusions.
• Independently manage assigned studies from start to finish, including planning, execution, troubleshooting, and final documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners as needed to clarify study requirements and communicate key findings.
• Contribute to maintaining a high standard of quality control within the laboratory environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience designing and executing microbiology-focused shelf life studies for food and beverage products.
• Strong understanding of foodborne pathogens, indicator organisms, and their relevance to food safety and shelf life.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and ability to apply them in microbiological testing and study design.
• Proficiency in microbiological laboratory techniques, including aseptic technique and sample preparation.
• Experience working in a food microbiology or testing environment, with mid-level experience preferred (approximately 2 to 4 years).
• Ability to work independently and take full ownership of studies from planning through completion.
• Strong data analysis skills to track, interpret, and draw conclusions from microbiological test results.
• Excellent documentation skills with attention to detail for accurate recording of methods and results.
• Effective written communication skills to support clear and concise reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in microbiology, biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience applying quality control principles in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with shelf life modeling concepts and stability assessment for food and beverage products.
• Ability to troubleshoot study or testing issues and adjust methods while maintaining scientific rigor.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple studies and timelines simultaneously.

Work Environment

This role operates in a microbiology laboratory environment focused on food and beverage testing. The position involves routine handling and preparation of food samples, working with foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms under controlled conditions, and performing aseptic techniques at the bench. Work typically follows standard laboratory hours, with periods of focused testing aligned to study timelines. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols, regulatory standards, and quality control procedures, with regular use of microbiological testing equipment, incubators, and other laboratory instruments. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required to maintain safety and sample integrity.

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, Monday thru Friday rotation, typically done by 3pm on Saturday

If you are interested please book a virtual meeting with me: https://talentassistant.actalentservices.com/assistant/bookings/bgF9HVkt

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Farmington, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 Farmington,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.