Lab Assistant I

Lab Assistant I

The Lab Assistant I works in a high-volume, production-based clinical laboratory environment and performs essential tasks that support diagnostic testing. This role is ideal for individuals who want to break into the diagnostics field and may have little or no prior laboratory experience or formal lab schooling. You will handle clinical specimens, ensure accurate data entry, support laboratory operations, and contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient lab.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort a high volume of clinical laboratory specimens, including blood, tissue, and kidney stones.
• Prepare specimens for testing and analysis according to established procedures.
• Scan and perform accurate data entry of specimen and patient information into laboratory systems.
• Verify that laboratory equipment is functioning properly and perform minor instrumentation maintenance as needed.
• Troubleshoot specimen-related issues to ensure proper processing and resolution.
• Replenish test bench supplies regularly to support continuous production workflow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with laboratory standards.
• Complete record logs and other administrative duties as requested to support documentation requirements.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to uphold safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Prioritize tasks effectively and meet established turnaround times in a fast-paced production environment.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members using both written and verbal communication.
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods while performing repetitive laboratory and data entry tasks.
• Work overtime as needed to support production demands and laboratory schedules.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Comfortable handling biological specimens, including blood, tissue, and kidney stones.
• Ability to accurately identify and label specimens.
• Basic computer skills and strong data entry capabilities.
• High level of attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, production-based laboratory environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to pass a standardized color blindness test.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous medical, laboratory, or production experience is preferred but not required.
• Comfort working with biological specimens in a clinical setting.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy and quality while handling repetitive tasks.
• Experience with data entry in a high-volume environment is a plus.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a laboratory department at an Itasca lab location, working in a high-volume, production-focused clinical environment. The typical schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with Tuesday and Sunday off. The role involves extended periods of sitting and standing, frequent handling of biological specimens, and consistent use of computers and laboratory equipment. The environment emphasizes adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, safety protocols, and cleanliness while meeting strict turnaround times for diagnostic testing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Itasca, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.50/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 Itasca, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.