Lab Technician

Lab Technician

This role supports a high-throughput, production-based analytical laboratory by preparing, processing, and managing test samples in accordance with established standard operating procedures and quality systems. The lab technician ensures accurate sample preparation and handling, maintains laboratory equipment, supports microbiological and PCR-based testing workflows, and contributes to a safe, clean, and efficient laboratory environment. This position offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of samples and assays that help ensure the safety, quality, and authenticity of products used every day.

Responsibilities

• Split and homogenize incoming samples in strict compliance with applicable standard operating procedures and quality systems.
• Prepare incoming test samples by splitting, grinding with appropriate grinders, and homogenizing aseptically for further testing according to standard operating procedures and quality control procedures.
• Perform aseptic sample preparation and aseptic processing to support microbiology and other analytical tests.
• Perform environmental monitoring activities as needed to support laboratory quality and compliance.
• Care for, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment associated with sample splitting, grinding, homogenization, and testing activities.
• Perform operational qualifications and other required checks on assigned equipment prior to analysis in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Clean and sanitize the workplace, equipment, and work areas in alignment with standard operating procedures and general housekeeping requirements.
• Log sample splits accurately and deliver them to the appropriate testing departments, obtaining required signatures and documentation in the appropriate logs.
• Log and store sample retains according to standard operating procedures, and properly discard retains when appropriate and in compliance with disposal procedures.
• Perform media-related tasks such as preparing and sterilizing media, supporting media manufacturing, and decontaminating materials and equipment as needed.
• Support weekly activities in microbiology and chemistry sample preparation, including plate preparation, plating, plate reading, and related tasks.
• Assist with PCR-related workflows, including preparation of samples for PCR testing, as assigned.
• Monitor and meet turnaround time (TAT) requirements for sample workflow, and promptly inform the department manager when capacity constraints may impact TAT.
• Provide feedback and suggestions to the department manager to improve procedures, workflows, and overall efficiency.
• Work cooperatively with other technicians and team members to manage workload, support cross-training, and ensure smooth laboratory operations.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by management or the department that fall within the scope of laboratory operations and sample processing.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency with computers and common software applications, including Excel.
• Ability to facilitate work both cooperatively in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to follow procedures, document work, and collaborate with colleagues.
• Demonstrated focus or interest in science, biology, or microbiology.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed to support laboratory workload.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work on your feet in a production-based lab environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely as part of routine sample and equipment handling.
• Punctuality and reliability, with a strong commitment to attendance and on-time performance.
• Team-oriented mindset with a positive, can-do attitude and willingness to assist others.
• Growth mindset supported by a stable work history and openness to learning new techniques and responsibilities.
• Reliable transportation to and from the worksite.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates degree or bachelors degree, particularly in a scientific discipline, is preferred.
• Previous experience in food service roles such as barista, food server, or bartender is valued, especially where working on your feet and multitasking were essential.
• Experience in laboratory operations, microbiology, or related scientific environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with aseptic preparation, aseptic processing, and sterilization techniques.
• Experience with media manufacturing, decontamination procedures, and general lab operations.
• Exposure to microbiology techniques such as plating, plate reading, and aerobic count testing.
• Experience with PCR-based testing or workflows.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Customer service mindset, with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and respond to internal customer needs.
• Comfort working with diverse sample types such as protein bars, skincare products, produce, and raw meat products.
• Interest in working with tests related to meat study validation and detection of organisms such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.

Work Environment

The position is based in a production-focused analytical laboratory operating under ISO 17025 standards, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, quality, and turnaround time. The lab handles a wide variety of samples, including protein bars, skincare products, fresh produce, and raw meat products, which may be at ambient or refrigerated temperatures. Testing includes meat study validation and microbiological assays targeting organisms such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. The team consists of approximately 11 technicians and works across a scope of about 12 different assays, including PCR, shelf-life studies, plating, plate reading, regulation of samples, weighing, pore plates, and aerobic counts.

The laboratory uses a range of equipment for grinding, homogenizing, plating, and PCR testing, as well as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking and data management. The environment is structured, process-driven, and fast-paced, with clear standard operating procedures guiding daily work. Cleanliness and adherence to aseptic techniques are critical, and staff follow established housekeeping, decontamination, and sterilization practices. While overtime is not consistently required, some flexibility to work additional hours during peak workloads is appreciated. The culture emphasizes teamwork, reliability, continuous improvement, and a strong commitment to supporting safe, accurate, and timely analytical testing.

Available Shifts

1) Tuesday - Saturday 3:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Training schedule is Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM for 2-3 weeks.

2) Sunday - Thursday 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Training schedule is Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM for 2-3 weeks.

3) Tuesday - Saturday 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Training schedule is Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM for 2-3 weeks

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $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 Lafayette,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 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