Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician – PCR and Quality Control (Night Shift)

Job Description

This role supports a high-throughput laboratory environment by operating advanced equipment, performing PCR-based workflows, and ensuring products meet stringent quality standards. You will work extensively with thermal cyclers, automated liquid handling systems, and custom software to process, test, and route products according to documented protocols and ISO requirements. This position is ideal for individuals with a strong laboratory background who enjoy hands-on work, multitasking, and contributing to an efficient manufacturing pipeline on a weekend night shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of laboratory equipment to process products, with heavy use of thermal cyclers and automated liquid handling workstations.
• Use computers and custom software in a Windows-based environment to manage workflows, document activities, and track products.
• Adhere to all departmental protocols, contamination controls, safety procedures, and comply with ISO 9001 and other applicable ISO requirements.
• Quantify and sample products for quality control tests to ensure they meet defined specifications.
• Recognize process or equipment problems and promptly seek appropriate assistance to resolve issues.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records for products, instruments, and laboratory activities.
• Assess quality control data to appropriately route and process products in alignment with outlined specifications.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment and workspaces as needed to support reliable operations.
• Maintain daily shipping deadlines and sustain the processing pipeline for products that require further manufacturing steps.
• Follow documented custom instructions and standard operating procedures when applicable.
• Contribute to and support an efficient manufacturing environment by optimizing workflow and minimizing bottlenecks.
• Communicate effectively with peers and management at all levels to ensure clear and detailed transfer of information.
• Perform a variety of PCR protocols and subsequent post-PCR cleanup steps with high accuracy and consistency.
• Execute multiple processes simultaneously to ensure efficient handling and throughput of products.
• Use aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of contamination to products and maintain product integrity.
• Organize and prioritize workload appropriately to ensure efficient product manufacture and timely completion of tasks.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with the organization’s core values, including quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and business needs.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on laboratory experience working with biological or chemical samples.
• Proficiency with PCR techniques, including setup, execution, and post-PCR cleanup steps.
• Experience with DNA extraction and qPCR in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform quality control testing and interpret QC data to make appropriate processing decisions.
• Familiarity with operating thermal cyclers and automated liquid handling workstations.
• Comfort using computers and custom software in a Windows-based environment for data entry, tracking, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive product and instrument records.
• Capability to recognize and respond to process or equipment issues by escalating or seeking assistance as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and execute multiple processes simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
• Competence in using aseptic techniques to minimize contamination risk.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with peers and management and ensure clear information transfer.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols, standard operating procedures, and documented custom instructions.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize workload and meet daily shipping and production deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field is preferred.
• background in laboratory biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and other ISO-based quality systems.
• Comfort performing routine maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
• Demonstrated commitment to core values such as quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory manufacturing environment that operates on a weekend night shift schedule, typically Friday through Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Training may occur on a different shift, and candidates should be flexible to accommodate an alternative training schedule. The position involves frequent use of thermal cyclers, automated liquid handling workstations, and computers running custom software in a Windows-based environment. Work is hands-on and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on meeting daily shipping deadlines and maintaining an efficient processing pipeline. The laboratory follows ISO 9001 and related ISO standards, with strict adherence to contamination controls, safety procedures, and aseptic techniques. The role requires standing for extended periods, working at laboratory benches, and performing routine equipment maintenance and cleaning. Base pay is structured for a 36-hour work week rather than a 40-hour work week and includes a separate shift differential for the night schedule; if an employee moves to a different shift, their pay will adjust accordingly.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.19 - $31.07/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 Coralville,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 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.