Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

The Lab Assistant supports daily laboratory operations by accurately logging, tracking, storing, and disposing of samples in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This role focuses on maintaining precise documentation, preparing reports related to samples, and ensuring that all sample handling complies with established procedures. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a professional laboratory environment that specializes in testing petroleum and petrochemical products.

Responsibilities

• Log in and track all samples received by the laboratory, ensuring accurate identification and documentation.
• Correctly store samples in designated areas and maintain proper inventory and retention practices.
• Dispose of samples in accordance with applicable procedures and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate disposal records.
• Follow American Petroleum Institute (API) procedures and documents as they relate to sample handling, storage, and disposal.
• Apply knowledge of EPA regulations governing samples, particularly as they relate to disposal and the maintenance of disposal records.
• Carry out assigned tasks in accordance with the latest industry standards and practices and follow specific instructions provided by the laboratory manager or supervisor.
• Prepare all reports pertaining to samples accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner.
• Keep the retain and storage areas clean, organized, and free from safety hazards at all times.
• Attend monthly safety meetings and actively participate in safety initiatives.
• Use laboratory equipment to perform basic laboratory, quality control, and chemical analyses as assigned.
• Maintain proper lab documentation and ensure that all records are complete, organized, and up to date.
• Interact with office and laboratory personnel in a professional and business-like manner.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from internal stakeholders and clients when required.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats.
• Use basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet programs, to support documentation and reporting activities.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma, with related experience in the laboratory or industry preferable.
• 6 months to 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment and document control; new graduates will also be considered.
• Familiarity with American Petroleum Institute (API) procedures and documents related to sample handling.
• Understanding of EPA regulations governing sample disposal and maintenance of disposal records.
• Ability to read, write, and clearly communicate in English.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and basic laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of quality control analysis and chemical analysis in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform accurate lab documentation and maintain organized records.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, schedulers, and clients.
• Ability to interpret instructions delivered in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats.
• Familiarity with basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to interact with office and laboratory personnel in a proper, professional, and business-like manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in working with petroleum and petrochemical products such as gasoline and aviation fuels.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in documentation and sample handling.
• Organizational skills to maintain clean, orderly, and hazard-free storage and retention areas.
• Willingness to follow established safety practices and attend regular safety meetings.
• Ability to work under guidance from laboratory supervisors and adapt to standardized procedures.
• Motivation to build a career within a global laboratory organization and gain industry experience.

Work Environment

This position is based in a professional laboratory environment that provides independent testing, inspection, and certification services, primarily focusing on petroleum and petrochemical products such as gasoline and fuels for aircraft. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The role is designated as safety sensitive and includes pre-employment, random, and annual drug and alcohol testing. Work involves regular use of laboratory equipment, handling of chemical samples, and adherence to strict safety and regulatory protocols. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and safety, with monthly safety meetings and established procedures to minimize hazards. Employees interact frequently with both laboratory and office personnel in a professional setting and use computers for documentation, word processing, and spreadsheets.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plainfield, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Plainfield, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.