Sample Lab Technician (Summer Contract)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lab Technician

Placement Duration: 1-2 Months

Job Description

The Lab Technician works within the fragrance design and development space, supporting creative projects from concept to delivery. This role coordinates creative briefs, manages timelines, sources materials, and ensures smooth execution of sample-related activities. The position bridges laboratory work, project coordination, and customer-facing support to help deliver high-quality fragrance solutions efficiently and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate creative briefs and project timelines to ensure fragrance design and development initiatives progress smoothly.
• Manage the queue of sample requests and projects, prioritizing tasks and communicating timelines clearly to stakeholders.
• Provide backup support for compounding activities, preparing batches and formulations according to established procedures and specifications.
• Organize and maintain the sample library so that materials, samples, and records remain accurate, accessible, and up to date.
• Coordinate with evaluators and perfumers to ensure timely preparation, labeling, and delivery of samples.
• Source and handle raw materials, ensuring proper inventory control, storage, and material handling practices.
• Assist with shipping tasks, including packaging and dispatching samples, when the shipping department is unavailable.
• Support the sales team by providing accurate sample-related information, documentation, and logistics coordination.
• Deliver excellent customer service by responding to sample-related inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and providing practical solutions.
• Collaborate with laboratory, warehouse, and office staff to maintain efficient workflows and clear communication across departments.
• Maintain accurate records of compounding activities, sample requests, inventory movements, and project status.
• Follow laboratory safety practices and standard operating procedures while working with raw materials and fragrance compounds.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of compounding or batching experience, or recent graduation with a degree in Chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with compounding, including accurate measuring, mixing, and handling of raw materials.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple sample requests and deadlines simultaneously.
• Laboratory experience, including basic lab techniques, equipment use, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Experience in inventory and material handling, including organizing, tracking, and replenishing raw materials and samples.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple departments, including sales, perfumers, evaluators, and logistics teams.
• Experience in customer service and sales support, with a focus on addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
• Comfort interacting with sales teams, perfumers, evaluators, and customers, answering sample-related questions and troubleshooting problems.
• Detail-oriented mindset with excellent organizational skills for managing sample libraries, records, and project documentation.
• Familiarity with raw materials used in fragrance or similar industries.
• Tolerance for and comfort working around strong odors and fragrances.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field, especially for recent graduates entering a compounding-focused role.
• Previous experience in a laboratory environment connected to production or warehouse operations.
• Prior exposure to fragrance, flavor, or chemical manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly convey project status and sample information.
• Proactive, collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage time effectively in a fast-paced setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a lab and office environment directly connected to a warehouse, offering close collaboration between laboratory, administrative, and logistics functions. The position involves regular exposure to raw materials and fragrance compounds, and the Lab Technician must be comfortable working around strong smells and a variety of scents throughout the day. Work typically takes place in a structured laboratory setting with standard lab equipment, sample storage areas, and inventory zones, alongside an office space used for coordination, documentation, and communication with other teams. The environment supports close interaction with sales, perfumers, evaluators, and warehouse staff, fostering a collaborative and fast-paced atmosphere focused on timely sample preparation and delivery.

This is a Contract position based out of Norwood, NJ.

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

This is a fully onsite position in Norwood,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.