Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

The Lab Assistant supports a Human Health Chemistry Laboratory by maintaining clean and organized glassware, preparing solutions, and assisting with sample handling to ensure efficient and compliant testing operations. This role offers an excellent opportunity to learn core laboratory practices and develop toward a Lab Technician position while working closely with analysts and scientists in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Collect used and dirty glassware from laboratory areas on a regular basis and transport it to the designated dishwashing area.
• Operate laboratory dishwashers, run appropriate cleaning cycles, and ensure glassware is properly cleaned and ready for reuse.
• Redistribute clean glassware to the correct laboratory areas, ensuring items return to their original locations and are available when needed.
• Prepare and label solutions for use by lab technicians, analysts, and scientists, following established procedures and quality standards.
• Deliver samples, including gel film and gel foam (absorbable gelatin films and foams), to the appropriate areas for testing in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support general laboratory upkeep by maintaining overall cleanliness, including taking out garbage and ensuring workspaces remain organized and safe.
• Perform basic low-technical laboratory techniques such as pH measurements and equipment calibration as needed.
• Participate actively in daily team meetings to review goals, discuss tasks for the day, and align on priorities.
• Work side-by-side with an analyst or scientist during training, including shadowing testing, performing testing under supervision, and demonstrating competency prior to working independently.
• Follow cGMP and FDA regulatory requirements and adhere to all standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.
• Look for and implement small improvements in lab processes, organization, and cleanliness to support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with team members at different experience levels and contribute positively to a supportive, drama-free work environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience or strong interest in working in a laboratory environment, particularly in human health, biology, or chemistry settings.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory practices, including handling glassware and following standard lab procedures.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory techniques such as solution preparation, pH measurements, and simple equipment calibration.
• Strong attention to detail when cleaning, redistributing glassware, and preparing solutions to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Reliable time management skills with the ability to follow a consistent schedule within a defined first-shift time window.
• Willingness to perform both routine and low-technical tasks, including cleaning, garbage removal, and other support activities.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual contributor while collaborating as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work well with both new hires and tenured staff at various levels.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional, respectful, and drama-free work environment.
• Capability to follow cGMP and FDA-regulated procedures and to adhere strictly to safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AS Degree in Science is preferred.
• Background or coursework in biology, chemistry, or related scientific disciplines is beneficial.
• Interest in growing into a Lab Technician role and developing more advanced laboratory skills over time.
• Proactive mindset with a "do what it takes" attitude to support the lab's daily operations.
• Willingness to identify and implement small process or organizational improvements in the lab.
• Comfort working closely with analysts and scientists during training and skill development.

Work Environment

The role is based in a standard laboratory environment regulated by cGMP and the FDA, focused on human health chemistry work. The team includes a mix of new hires and experienced staff, and the culture emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and a strong work ethic. The position is an individual contributor role within a team setting, where daily team meetings are held to align on goals and tasks. Training is hands-on and structured: you will work side-by-side with an analyst or scientist, beginning with shadowing, then performing testing under supervision, and ultimately working independently once competency is demonstrated and sign-off is obtained. This is a first-shift position with a flexible start time between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. (with a consistent schedule required once set). The shift is 8 hours long and includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch and two 15-minute paid breaks (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). During the initial training period, hours may vary slightly to mirror the trainer's schedule. The environment values individuals who are willing to take on a wide range of tasks, maintain cleanliness and organization, and support a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Kalamazoo, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Kalamazoo, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.