Lab Assistant

Actalent
Middleton, WI

Job Title: Lab Assistant

Job Description

The Lab Assistant supports day-to-day laboratory operations by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment, handling glassware and supplies, and assisting with basic lab support tasks. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work in a fast-paced setting, can stay on their feet for most of the day, and is eager to learn and grow into more advanced laboratory positions over time.

Responsibilities

  • Clean laboratory glassware thoroughly by hand and using a laboratory dishwasher.
  • Mop floors and maintain cleanliness of lab spaces to support a safe working environment.
  • Organize and store clean glassware in designated areas after washing.
  • Empty trash and waste containers regularly to keep work areas orderly.
  • Deliver formulations to the appropriate area by 5:00 AM as required.
  • Hand out formulations to in-life technicians in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Re-stock garments, supplies, and consumables to ensure the lab remains fully equipped.
  • Work with potentially hazardous or unknown chemicals while following established safety procedures.
  • Place orders for missing or low-stock items to maintain adequate inventory levels.
  • Document cleaning activities and related tasks accurately within the computer system.
  • Maintain overall cleanliness, organization, and orderliness of the laboratory environment.
  • Work independently to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborate effectively with a small team of lab assistants to support overall lab operations.
  • Support general lab functions such as basic sample handling, sorting, and preparation as needed.
  • Assist with inventory tracking and basic data entry related to lab support activities.

Essential Skills

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience in a fast-paced environment such as restaurant, bartending, or production work.
  • Ability to stand and move around lab spaces for long periods of time (approximately 95% of the day).
  • Ability to work independently for extended periods, including working alone for up to two days per week.
  • High attention to detail when performing repetitive tasks such as cleaning and organizing.
  • Willingness to learn new procedures, systems, and laboratory practices.
  • Basic computer skills to document cleaning and lab activities in a computer system.
  • Comfort working around potentially hazardous or unknown chemicals while following safety protocols.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple workspaces and tasks efficiently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Previous lab support experience, including washing laboratory dishes and handling lab equipment.
  • Experience in environments such as laboratories, pharmacies, or specimen processing facilities.
  • Experience with inventory management, including tracking supplies and placing orders.
  • Data entry experience to support accurate documentation of lab activities.
  • Interest in future career growth into roles such as Test Article Management or Study Technician after gaining experience in the position.
  • Openness to additional training and educational opportunities to develop laboratory skills.
  • Ability to work well within a small team while also taking initiative on individual tasks.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced laboratory environment where you will move frequently between multiple lab spaces to support the team. You will be on your feet for approximately 95% of the day, performing tasks such as washing dishes, organizing glassware, and restocking supplies. The work involves handling potentially hazardous or unknown chemicals, with appropriate safety procedures and equipment in place. You will work both independently and as part of a small team, including spending up to two days per week working largely on your own. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; short-term and long-term disability plans; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; paid time off accruing at a competitive annual rate; paid holidays when applicable to your schedule; educational assistance; an employee assistance program; and a tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan with employer match after an initial period of employment. The culture supports growth and advancement, with opportunities over time to move into roles such as Test Article Management or Study Technician after gaining at least one year of experience in the Lab Assistant position

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middleton, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.28 - $21.28/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 Middleton,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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