QC Lab Associate

Job Title: QC Lab Associate

Job Description

The QC Lab Associate primarily supports QC Microbiology Laboratory operations at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Round Lake, IL. This role focuses on biological testing for biologics and drugs throughout all stages of the manufacturing process, including incoming raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and facility environmental and critical systems microbiological monitoring. The position is a first-shift role with flexible hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., requires weekend and holiday work, and involves working in both Drug Delivery and Penicillin facilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbial analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and samples collected from environmental monitoring programs within the manufacturing facility.

• Perform routine facility environmental monitoring, including surfaces, air, particulate, and personnel monitoring, as well as critical systems monitoring such as water, clean steam, process compressed air, and nitrogen.

• Prepare media and reagents used within the laboratory to support microbiological testing and routine laboratory operations.

• Operate laboratory instrumentation, including particle counters, pH meters, SAS equipment, autoclaves, and computer systems such as LIMS, to collect, record, and manage data.

• Monitor inventory of supplies, equipment, reagents, and media; order, receive, and stock supplies as necessary to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory area and perform regular laboratory housekeeping activities in accordance with internal procedures and safety standards.

• Conduct and document laboratory and nonconformance investigations, including data review, root cause analysis, impact assessment, and development of appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

• Maintain data integrity and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, FDA Quality System Regulations, and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.

• Follow, understand, and comply with established procedures and policies related to cGMPs and safety requirements.

• Contribute to other laboratory tasks and projects as assigned, supporting team objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Work in both Drug Delivery and Penicillin facilities as needed to support manufacturing and laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform all essential laboratory duties satisfactorily, including microbiological testing and documentation.

• Must not be allergic to Penicillin, Cephalosporin, or their related products and minerals due to work in Penicillin facilities.

• Knowledge in basic biology and microbiology principles, including aseptic technique.

• Proficiency in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry, tracking, and reporting.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently and complete them in a timely manner while maintaining accuracy.

• Strong attention to detail, conscientious work habits, and high reading comprehension skills for reviewing data and documentation.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required to handle laboratory supplies and equipment.

• Capability to work independently and as part of a team in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed to support production and laboratory schedules.

• Bachelors degree in microbiology or biological science.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles and pharmaceutical aseptic processing cGMP requirements is preferred.

• Demonstrated technical writing skills for documenting investigations, procedures, and reports.

• Familiarity with structured root cause investigation methodologies, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).

• Self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude in a highly dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational skills to manage inventory, documentation, and multiple ongoing tasks.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in manufacturing and quality.

• Comfort working in both Drug Delivery and Penicillin facilities and adapting to different process areas.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift position with hours typically between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., operating on a Thursday through Monday schedule. Weekend and holiday work is required, and occasional off-shift work may be needed to support manufacturing and testing demands. The role is based in a QC Microbiology Laboratory within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Round Lake, IL, and involves work in both Drug Delivery and Penicillin production areas. The environment includes routine exposure to biologics, drugs, and related materials, as well as critical systems such as purified water, clean steam, compressed air, and nitrogen. Laboratory work involves regular use of instrumentation such as particle counters, pH meters, SAS equipment, autoclaves, and computer systems including LIMS. The facility maintains strict cGMP, GLP, and FDA QSR standards, emphasizing data integrity, safety, and cleanliness. Showers are required when leaving the facility, and employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and dress appropriately for a controlled laboratory and manufacturing environment. The work requires standing for extended periods, handling laboratory materials, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds in a clean, highly regulated setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Round Lake, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Round Lake, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Round Lake,IL.

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 [email protected] 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.