Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

Job Description

The Lab Assistant supports daily quality control laboratory operations by preparing materials, maintaining equipment, performing raw material testing, and ensuring a clean and organized work area. This role contributes to accurate and timely laboratory testing by assisting technicians, coordinating samples for external analysis, and performing routine laboratory tasks under established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process samples for outside laboratory testing according to established protocols.

• Clean and wash all materials, glassware, and equipment used in testing to ensure they are ready for use.

• Assist in cleaning, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory equipment as assigned by the supervisor.

• Prepare standards and reagents required to perform laboratory testing, following precise measurements and procedures.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the assigned quality control laboratory areas.

• Assist other laboratory technicians with testing, sample handling, and routine laboratory tasks as needed.

• Participate in project work as scheduled, supporting laboratory studies and process improvements.

• Perform raw material testing, record results accurately, and support reporting requirements.

• Complete other laboratory-related tasks as assigned to support overall lab operations.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a laboratory setting with an understanding of basic lab procedures.

• Ability to perform media preparation and handle laboratory materials safely and accurately.

• Basic knowledge of chemistry principles relevant to laboratory testing and reagent preparation.

• Ability to perform sorting and processing of samples and materials in an organized manner.

• Foundational understanding of biology and microbiology concepts used in laboratory work.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions precisely.

• Ability to maintain a clean, orderly work area and adhere to laboratory safety practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or high school diploma required.

• Interest or coursework in laboratory science, chemistry, biology, or microbiology.

• Ability to work collaboratively with laboratory technicians and follow supervisory direction.

• Willingness to support project-based work and adapt to changing laboratory priorities.

• Comfort with routine, repetitive tasks that require accuracy and consistency.

Work Environment

This is a temporary contract role expected to run until January. The position operates on first shift with standard hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Once fully trained, the Lab Assistant will work 12 Saturday mornings each month, typically from 7:00 a.m. to around 11:00 a.m. Work takes place in a quality control laboratory environment that involves regular use of laboratory equipment, handling of raw materials, preparation of media, standards, and reagents, and adherence to safety and cleanliness standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Davenport, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.50 - $23.50/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 Davenport,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.