Lab Technician

Job Title: Laboratory TechnicianJob Description

This Laboratory Technician role supports daily laboratory operations in a genotyping production environment by overseeing general lab activities, maintaining an organized workspace, and ensuring smooth workflow across multiple laboratory areas. The position involves handling incoming samples, preparing buffers and reagents, operating and troubleshooting specialized equipment, and maintaining accurate documentation while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Support daily laboratory operations by maintaining a clean, organized, and orderly workspace.

• Receive, log, and organize incoming samples to ensure proper handling and traceability.

• Maintain adequate inventory of labware and supplies, and restock as needed to support uninterrupted laboratory activities.

• Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions according to established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot equipment used in genotyping production to ensure reliable performance.

• Review, update, and maintain task-related documentation, including logs, records, and workflow instructions.

• Rotate across laboratory areas, including Chipping, Extraction, and Detection, as needed to support overall production demands.

• Follow Employee Safety and Health (ESH) guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and workflow guidelines at all times.

• Maintain a safe work environment by adhering to laboratory safety practices and promptly reporting any issues or hazards.

• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work to meet operational timelines.

• Collaborate effectively with multiple supervisors and respond to direction from different leaders as needed.

• Interface with system support teams, research personnel, and other functions to resolve issues and support ongoing projects.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience.

• Hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, preferably in biology, microbiology, or a related scientific field.

• Ability to prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions following established protocols.

• Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment used in genotyping or similar production workflows.

• Strong organizational skills to maintain a clean, orderly, and well-documented laboratory workspace.

• Ability to follow Employee Safety and Health (ESH) guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and workflow guidelines.

• Capability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively under the direction of more than one supervisor.

• Strong communication skills to interface with system support teams and research personnel.

• Attention to detail and accuracy in handling samples, inventory, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a scientific field is preferred.

• Background in biology, microbiology, or a related discipline.

• Experience working in a production or high-throughput laboratory environment.

• Comfort rotating between different laboratory areas such as Chipping, Extraction, and Detection.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and workflows in a fast-paced lab setting.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment focused on genotyping production, with work involving laboratory equipment, sample handling, and preparation of buffers and reagents. The standard work schedule runs Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Training for this role may occur outside the normal work hours, depending on the availability of training personnel, and this will be discussed prior to hiring. The role requires consistent adherence to Employee Safety and Health (ESH) guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and workflow guidelines to maintain a safe and compliant laboratory setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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 Ankeny,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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.