Lab Assistant

Job Title: Lab Assistant
Job Description
The Lab Assistant processes study samples for accessioning, storage, onward shipping, and laboratory testing in alignment with study requirements and standard operating procedures. This role supports a high-throughput laboratory environment by ensuring accurate specimen handling, maintaining sample integrity, and contributing to the smooth daily operation of the department. It offers an opportunity to grow with a newly built, expanding laboratory that is part of a rapidly growing segment of the business.
Responsibilities

• Accession received samples in a timely manner according to standard operating procedures and specific study requirements.
• Route samples intended for same-day analysis promptly to the appropriate laboratory area.
• Perform quality control checks and verify the identification of incoming specimens to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Place samples with discrepancies into designated storage locations while issues are investigated and resolved.
• Work directly with study managers or client contacts to resolve sample discrepancies and clarify requirements.
• Prepare and package specimens that require onward shipping to external recipients for testing.
• Ensure scheduled shipments are prepared and dispatched in accordance with sponsor requirements and timelines.
• Discard samples when required, following established procedures and documentation guidelines.
• Review, action, and close ad-hoc requests assigned to the department in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide support to line management with tasks related to the daily running and coordination of the department.
• Sort incoming specimens for testing, storage, or onward shipping based on study and logistical requirements.
• Ensure that all incoming and outgoing shipments comply with applicable shipping regulatory requirements.
• Maintain specimen integrity by storing samples at proper temperature conditions and taking proactive steps to prevent temperature variance.
• Assist with routine freezer maintenance, including monitoring, organization, and basic upkeep.
• Manage specimen management requirements for studies of higher complexity, ensuring adherence to protocols and timelines.
• Perform accurate data entry related to specimen processing and tracking in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment.
• Support inventory-related activities, including tracking supplies and ensuring adequate materials for specimen handling and shipping.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts, applying principles of lean manufacturing or lean six sigma where applicable to laboratory workflows.

Essential Skills

• Good working knowledge of relevant laboratory and specimen handling procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with internal departments to support study and operational needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, and clients.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen processing and data entry.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment.
• Basic proficiency in data entry and use of computer systems for tracking specimens and documentation.
• Associate degree as a minimum educational requirement.
• Ability to communicate clearly using telephone and face-to-face interactions, with accurate perception of speech.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and perform repetitive keyboard motions as part of daily tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, particularly in biology or a science-related field, is a plus but not required.
• Bioworks certification or an associate-level laboratory or manufacturing-related credential is preferred.
• Experience in specimen processing or laboratory accessioning is beneficial, though candidates with 0+ years of experience will be considered.
• Exposure to or interest in lean manufacturing or lean six sigma principles is advantageous.
• Experience in high-throughput or fast-paced environments is preferred.
• Demonstrated desire to learn and develop within the laboratory field.
• Experience with inventory management, documentation, or manufacturing processes in a lab or related setting is a plus.
• Interest in long-term career growth and longevity within the department.

Work Environment
This role is based in a modern laboratory environment within a newly built site that supports a growing portfolio of clinical research studies. The setting is high-throughput and fast-paced, requiring consistent attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures. Work involves extensive use of a keyboard and computer systems for data entry, as well as frequent telephone and face-to-face communication with colleagues and study contacts. The position requires regular sitting for extended periods and repetitive hand and finger motions. Specimen handling includes working with freezers and temperature-controlled storage to maintain sample integrity. The work schedule offers flexibility within the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a typical shift currently running from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The laboratory emphasizes continuous improvement, efficiency, and a collaborative culture, offering opportunities to grow with a rapidly expanding operation.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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 Durham,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.