Lab Analyst

Job Title: Lab Analyst

Job Description

The Lab Analyst plays a key role in a special analysis group, performing sample preparation, routine bench testing, and specialized chemical analytical testing. This role focuses on operating and maintaining laboratory instruments, preparing samples for advanced analytical methods, and accurately reporting results. The position offers extensive cross-training across multiple laboratory groups and provides an opportunity to grow from a developing lab technician into a high-level scientist or technologist through hands-on work with new instrumentation and methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample preparation and routine bench testing using techniques such as spectrophotometry, conductivity measurements, fluoride analysis by ion selective electrode (ISE), and automated titrations.

• Prepare samples for ion chromatography (IC) and liquid chromatography (LC) analysis in accordance with established laboratory methods and protocols.

• Operate, monitor, and perform basic troubleshooting on laboratory instruments and equipment used in chemical analytical testing.

• Conduct specific chemical analytical testing in a production-focused laboratory environment while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.

• Record, interpret, and report test results clearly and accurately, ensuring documentation is complete, organized, and compliant with laboratory requirements.

• Use laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to enter, track, and manage sample and test data, supporting efficient workflow and data integrity.

• Follow quality control procedures, including monitoring laboratory control samples (LCS), managing rechecks and send-backs, and ensuring all testing meets quality performance standards.

• Meet established turnaround time (TAT) targets by organizing workload, prioritizing tasks, and working efficiently in a time-sensitive environment.

• Communicate test findings, issues, and updates promptly and professionally to relevant team members and stakeholders.

• Collaborate with colleagues in a dynamic team environment and participate in cross-training across a variety of laboratory groups to become a versatile “jack of all trades.”

• Apply sound decision-making skills and independent problem-solving to resolve routine laboratory issues and support continuous improvement.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly laboratory workspace, following all applicable safety procedures and guidelines.

• Support method development, optimization, and implementation by learning new techniques, instrumentation, and analytical approaches as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a production-oriented laboratory environment or strong interest in production laboratory work.

• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and make sound judgments in a fast-paced setting.

• Familiarity with or ability to learn laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for data entry and sample tracking.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate across different laboratory groups.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and follow detailed procedures.

• Solid analytical skills for interpreting test results, understanding laboratory data, and identifying potential issues.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for documenting work and conveying information clearly.

• Responsive, independent problem solver who takes initiative and is action-oriented in addressing laboratory challenges.

• Demonstrated respectfulness and positive attitude, with the ability to work constructively and professionally with colleagues.

• Education in life sciences, with a preference for prior experience in Chemistry or a closely related discipline.

• Research or additional hands-on laboratory experience preferred, including experience gained through academic projects, internships, or part-time roles during a degree.

• Ability to perform chemical analytical testing using standard laboratory techniques and instruments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education in life sciences with a strong foundation in Chemistry is preferred.

• Research experience or additional laboratory experience beyond coursework is considered an asset.

• Part-time laboratory or technical work during an academic degree is preferred, demonstrating practical hands-on experience.

• Backgrounds such as Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), accredited laboratory technologist, veterinary technician, medical laboratory experience, or petrochemical laboratory experience are also acceptable.

• Comfort working with new instrumentation and analytical methods, with a willingness to learn and adapt.

• Interest in long-term growth within laboratory science or technology roles, with goals that align with developing into a high-level scientist or technologist.

Work Environment

The Lab Analyst works within a special analysis group that functions as a versatile, jack-of-all-trades team handling a wide variety of tests and methods. The environment is production-focused and dynamic, offering exposure to multiple analytical techniques, including spectrophotometry, conductivity testing, fluoride analysis by ISE, automated titrations, and preparation for IC and LC analysis. Training typically lasts around 3 months to reach independent performance, with methods-specific training over approximately 4–6 weeks depending on the techniques involved. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with an initial 8:00 AM–5:00 PM start during training, followed by an 8-hour shift that commonly runs from early morning (such as 6:00 AM) to mid-afternoon. The team structure includes a lead, an analyst, and technical staff, and the culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and professional development. The role provides significant opportunities to gain a deep understanding of new instrumentation and methods in a supportive, growth-oriented laboratory environment

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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 NEW ORLEANS,LA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.