Lab Technician at Actalent in Ames, IA

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on preparing, conducting, and accurately reporting sample analyses in accordance with established laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Laboratory Technician operates and calibrates complex instruments, maintains meticulous documentation, supports quality control and proficiency testing, and upholds a strong safety culture in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and perform designated laboratory tests with a high degree of accuracy in accordance with laboratory SOPs.
• Calibrate complex laboratory instrumentation following established SOPs to ensure reliable and accurate performance.
• Execute sample analyses and verify results to meet quality standards and standard laboratory turnaround times.
• Complete all required documentation thoroughly, including calibration logs, solution logs, scoop and bench sheets, analysis reports, and corrective action forms.
• Report analytical results in a timely manner in line with standard laboratory turn-times.
• Perform and monitor quality control checks for designated tests to ensure results fall within acceptable thresholds.
• Conduct preventative and daily maintenance on designated laboratory instrumentation.
• Accurately record diagnostic and maintenance information in maintenance logs for all serviced equipment.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and coordinate repairs with manufacturer service technicians as appropriate.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures such as preparing media and solutions, cleaning labware and workspaces, and maintaining supply inventory for designated tests.
• Support laboratory proficiency testing and certification programs by participating in required activities and documentation.
• Promote and adhere to safety standards and practices in the workplace at all times.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, follow safe work procedures, and immediately report unsafe conditions and injuries.
• Inspect your work area regularly and take approved remedial actions to minimize or eliminate hazards.

Essential Skills

• 0–2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory practices in chemistry and biology.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven organizational and time management skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a scientific discipline is preferred.
• Experience working in laboratory settings focused on chemistry or biology is an asset.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment that operates Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility of about an hour on either side of the shift as needed. The role involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working with complex laboratory instruments, media and solution preparation, and routine lab maintenance. The laboratory uses computer systems including Microsoft Office, Excel, and LIMS software to manage data and documentation. Team members wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established safety protocols, including regular safety training and hazard reporting. Overtime may be required based on workflow and deadlines, and the environment is fast-paced, detail-focused, and strongly oriented toward quality and regulatory compliance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/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 Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.