Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

This Lab Technician role focuses primarily on research and development activities involving PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as "forever chemicals." You will support water and wastewater treatment research by developing operating procedures, performing laboratory and pilot tests, and generating accurate analytical data. The position offers significant exposure to innovative treatment technologies and the opportunity to build strong hands-on experience in a growing, research-focused site.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities focused on PFAS and related water and wastewater treatment processes.

• Develop and implement operating procedures and perform tests for various treatment operations, including jar tests to determine and optimize chemical dosing for different treatment approaches.

• Carry out bench and pilot-scale evaluations of treatment processes and systems.

• Perform column and batch testing for ion exchange resins, carbon adsorption, activated alumina, and similar media.

• Evaluate and operate filtration systems, including conventional, membrane, and ceramic technologies.

• Collect and record operating data by measuring pumping rates, pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), temperature, and pressure.

• Operate and perform light maintenance on small-scale equipment such as pumps, heaters, and mixers.

• Prepare samples for testing and ensure proper handling and labeling for in-house and third-party analyses.

• Prepare reagents for in-house laboratory analyses according to established protocols and safety procedures.

• Perform a range of wet chemistry and analytical tests, including color, temperature, ORP, M & P alkalinity, calcium and magnesium hardness, total hardness, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), turbidity, and phosphorus/phosphate.

• Pull and submit samples for third-party laboratory analysis, ensuring proper documentation and chain-of-custody procedures.

• Maintain adequate stocks of reagents and laboratory supplies, and manage lab inventory to support ongoing testing.

• Maintain calibration records for laboratory equipment and ensure instruments are properly calibrated and functioning.

• Maintain safety data sheet (SDS) documentation for laboratory chemicals and reagents.

• Manage and communicate data effectively, including organizing, recording, and sharing results with team members.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory equipment, including plasticware and glassware used in analyses, as well as general operating areas.

• Collaborate with team members to follow precise chemical procedures and share accurate data.

• Work independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating initiative and increasing responsibility over time.

Essential Skills

• Laboratory experience in chemistry, wet chemistry, or analytical chemistry.

• Ability to work precisely in solution preparation, including accurate use of measuring devices, data handling, and instrument operation.

• Proficiency with standard laboratory instruments such as pH meters, TSS measurement tools, probes for process variables, HACH spectrophotometers, analytical balances, and volumetric glassware.

• Hands-on experience performing wet chemistry tests and basic analytical procedures.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate, reliable data.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting project timelines and quality standards.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for data recording, analysis, and documentation.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and accurately convey chemical data and procedures.

• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in responsibility on the job.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or a related scientific field.

• Experience in research and development, particularly involving PFAS, is a plus.

• Knowledge of titration techniques and reverse osmosis processes.

• Background in quality control or quality assurance in a laboratory setting.

• Familiarity with water and wastewater treatment operations and related analytical methods.

• Ability to manage laboratory inventory and maintain SDS and calibration documentation accurately.

• Comfort working in a dynamic, growing research environment with evolving procedures and projects.

Work Environment

This role operates in a laboratory environment within a facility originally built in the 1970s that previously functioned as an environmental lab. The laboratory space has been renovated with new, clean, and up-to-date equipment, providing a modern and well-maintained setting for analytical and R&D work. Office space is located in new pop-up trailers adjacent to the lab, offering a dedicated area for computer-based tasks such as data entry and reporting, while most of the workday is spent in the laboratory. The position follows rotating shifts, with schedules of Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., rotating approximately every four weeks. The site is located in a rural area near Indiana, Pennsylvania, offering a quiet setting focused on research activities and providing significant opportunity for hands-on learning and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Creekside, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Creekside,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.