Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician – Sunscreen Research
Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and conducting laboratory tests to support clinical and cosmetic sunscreen research, with a strong emphasis on pH testing and waterproof claim validation. The Laboratory Technician follows established protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulations while working closely with clinical staff, panelists, and internal teams. This position offers an introduction to research within a sunscreen department, combining hands-on wet chemistry, data entry, and direct involvement in clinical trial activities.

Responsibilities

• Set up and conduct laboratory tests in compliance with study protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulations, including Good Documentation Practices (GDPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Clinical Practices (GCPs).
• Prepare and perform pH tests using whirlpool systems to evaluate sunscreen products and related materials.
• Prepare, complete, organize, and maintain all study documentation forms, including drafting protocol amendments, case report forms, Electronic Data Capture (EDC) entries, and other study-specific documents.
• Perform station and instrumentation duties on assigned studies, including the collection, measurement, and recording of clinical and laboratory data.
• Prepare for and conduct pre-study meetings, ensuring that all staff working on assigned studies understand the protocol, SOPs, and GCP requirements and perform their duties accordingly.
• Respond to queries from Quality Assurance and Statistics departments in a timely and accurate manner, providing clarifications and supporting documentation as needed.
• Prepare, manage, and remain accountable for all test materials used in assigned studies, ensuring proper handling, labeling, storage, and tracking.
• Provide excellent customer service to clients and panelists, ensuring clear communication and a positive experience throughout the study process.
• Maintain professional and positive interactions with peers and supervisors, contributing to a collaborative and respectful team environment.
• Oversee panelists during waterproof claim testing of sunscreen products, including monitoring participants in the whirlpool for specified time periods (e.g., 20 minutes) and performing required tests on the client with the appropriate equipment.
• Conduct pH testing of water and other relevant materials to ensure test conditions meet protocol requirements.
• Perform wet tests, dry tests, and multi-pour procedures as required by the study design.
• Clean and maintain the whirlpool and associated equipment to ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient testing environment.
• Carry out general laboratory duties, including routine lab maintenance and adherence to cleanliness and safety standards.
• Enter study and laboratory data accurately and promptly into electronic systems, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Demonstrate flexibility in work assignments and scheduling, including occasional Saturday work when required by study timelines.
• Handle job-related stress in a professional manner and remain accountable for the quality and timeliness of assigned tasks.

• Degree in Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques, with pH testing as a primary focus.
• Laboratory experience, including handling chemicals, performing tests, and following laboratory protocols.
• Familiarity with clinical trial environments and processes, including adherence to protocols and Good Clinical Practices (GCPs).
• Ability to perform accurate and timely data entry, including working with Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Reliability and accountability in completing assigned tasks and meeting study timelines.
• Ability to manage stress effectively while maintaining high-quality work.
• Demonstrated flexibility in tasks and scheduling to support study needs.
• Professional behavior in the lab, including refraining from phone use during laboratory work.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as wet and dry tests, multi-pour procedures, and cleaning equipment as needed.

• Experience working with cosmetic or sunscreen products, particularly within a sunscreen department, is beneficial.
• Exposure to or interest in research, especially related to waterproof claims of sunscreen products.
• Experience in the service industry (such as waitstaff, bartending, or hotel roles) that demonstrates strong customer service skills and the ability to work with diverse individuals.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and take initiative within defined protocols.
• Team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues across laboratory, clinical, quality, and statistical functions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a humble, professional attitude when interacting with clients, panelists, and internal teams.
• Comfort working in a regulated environment that emphasizes compliance with GDPs, GMPs, and GCPs.

The role is based in a laboratory environment within a sunscreen-focused department, supporting clinical and cosmetic research. The current schedule typically follows a Monday through Friday structure, approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required to accommodate study needs, including occasional Saturday work. The work involves both wet and dry laboratory testing, multi-pour procedures, and physical activities such as cleaning and maintaining the whirlpool used for waterproof claim testing. The technician oversees panelists during whirlpool sessions and performs pH testing of water and other materials, using standard laboratory instruments and Electronic Data Capture systems. The environment emphasizes adherence to protocols, GDPs, GMPs, and GCPs, as well as strict safety and cleanliness standards. Professional conduct is expected at all times, including refraining from phone use while in the lab, maintaining focus on testing activities, and supporting a collaborative, respectful team culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elizabeth, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Elizabeth,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.