Medical Laboratory Scientist
Actalent
Posted Friday, May 1, 2026
Posting ID: JP-005997986
Job Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist – Microbiology
Job Description
The Medical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology performs routine and complex clinical laboratory testing with a primary focus on microbiology while supporting core laboratory operations. This role ensures accurate and timely test results, maintains high quality and safety standards, and contributes directly to quality patient care. The position requires strong technical skills, sound judgment in troubleshooting and problem-solving, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hospital-based laboratory environment.
Responsibilities
- Determine the acceptability of specimens for testing according to established criteria and departmental procedures.
- Perform routine and complex technical procedures in microbiology and the core laboratory in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
- Conduct microbiology testing, including plate reading, gram staining, and reading susceptibilities, with a high degree of accuracy.
- Work as a generalist in the core laboratory, supporting coagulation, hematology, urinalysis, and related testing as needed.
- Monitor, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation to ensure proper functionality and minimize downtime.
- Demonstrate sound technical judgment in resolving testing issues and participate in problem-solving activities.
- Prepare, test, and evaluate new reagents or controls to support accurate and reliable testing.
- Report test results accurately and in a timely manner to support high-quality patient care.
- Perform and document preventive maintenance and quality control procedures in accordance with laboratory policies and regulatory requirements.
- Identify, monitor, and replenish testing bench supplies to ensure continuous laboratory operations.
- Assist with specimen receiving, accessioning, and processing when needed, including handling and preparing samples for testing.
- Receive and process samples, run testing kits, set up tests, and ensure proper documentation of all activities.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of maintenance, quality control, and test results in the laboratory information system.
- Maintain a safe work environment by following all safety protocols and consistently wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues and contribute to a team-oriented laboratory culture.
- Provide technical support and guidance within the team and help support team lead responsibilities as needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility by working overtime or adjusting shifts in response to business and patient care needs.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or education that meets local regulatory CLIA and state requirements.
- Minimum 0–2 years of clinical laboratory testing experience in a healthcare or clinical laboratory setting.
- At least 1 year of microbiology testing experience, including plate reading and gram staining.
- Experience working as a generalist in a core laboratory environment, including coagulation, hematology, urinalysis, and related disciplines.
- Ability to perform microbiology testing, including reading plates and susceptibilities, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
- Proficiency with computers and the ability to learn and use laboratory information systems.
- High level of attention to detail with strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
- Ability to pass a standardized color vision screen to accurately interpret test results and quality control materials.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and resolve technical issues in a timely manner.
- Capacity to work overtime or adjust to other shifts depending on operational and patient care needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- ASCP or AMT certification is preferred and may be required depending on local or departmental requirements.
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems such as Cerner or Epic.
- Experience in chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and coagulation testing within a core laboratory.
- Experience performing quality control, documentation, and equipment maintenance in a regulated laboratory environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound technical decisions under time constraints.
- Interest or experience in providing informal leadership or supporting team lead responsibilities within the laboratory.
- Adaptability to a contract-to-hire arrangement with the potential for long-term career growth in a reputable organization.
Work Environment
This role is based in a hospital general laboratory that supports both core lab and microbiology services. The Medical Laboratory Scientist primarily supports microbiology while functioning as a core lab generalist, performing testing in areas such as coagulation, hematology, and urinalysis. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with flexibility to work overtime or adjust hours as needed to support patient care and departmental needs. The laboratory uses modern clinical analyzers and laboratory information systems, including platforms such as Cerner or Epic, to manage testing and results. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and quality-driven, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance. Team members consistently use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow established safety protocols when handling specimens, reagents, and equipment. The role offers a contract-to-hire structure with the opportunity to build long-term tenure in a stable and reputable hospital-based laboratory setting.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Birmingham, AL.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $39.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Birmingham,AL.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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.
Contact Information
Recruiter: Marion Jones
Phone: (770) 625-1006
Email: marjones@actalentservices.com
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