Lab Tech I

Actalent
North Chicago, IL

Job Title: Lab Technician I

Job Description

The Lab Technician I provides critical support to global laboratories by maintaining and enhancing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), with a strong focus on Thermo SampleManager. This role combines hands-on system work, document and training management, and project coordination to ensure laboratory quality systems operate efficiently across multiple sites. The position is ideal for candidates with early-career laboratory or scientific experience who are comfortable working within structured, quality-driven environments and who want to deepen their expertise in LIMS and digital lab systems.

Responsibilities

  • Support global laboratories with ongoing projects related to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), with a particular focus on Thermo SampleManager.
  • Work within SampleManager LIMS to manage inventory functions, including inventory manager and global stocks.
  • Process high volumes of reagent and HPLC requests, handling hundreds of requests weekly across approximately 25 sites.
  • Support global inventory policies by assisting with stock creation and maintenance in LIMS.
  • Collaborate with the Global Quality Systems support team to create and route document change controls, including administrative updates to procedures and training materials.
  • Remove outdated documents from the Global Document Center to maintain an accurate and current document repository.
  • Reclassify training assignments and recategorize documents within the Global Document Center to align with current processes and requirements.
  • Assist with global digital readiness activities and other project tasks on an as-needed basis.
  • Contribute to new system rollouts and updates by performing assigned tasks and providing system support.
  • Participate in subject matter expert (SME) and site meetings to understand requirements, gather feedback, and support implementation activities.
  • Track project action items and follow up with site contacts to ensure timely completion and alignment with project goals.
  • Help organize project timelines and deliverables, supporting coordination across multiple sites and stakeholders.
  • Provide responsive and proactive support to global and site resources for requests related to inventory management and laboratory quality systems.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn new systems and processes and to expand capabilities in LIMS, SAP, and related tools.
  • Apply strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and work effectively within structured, regulated workflows.

Essential Skills

  • 1–3 years of experience in a scientific or laboratory-related environment, including internships or summer roles.
  • Hands-on experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS); Thermo SampleManager experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working in sample management, quality control, or other structured laboratory environments.
  • Comfort working within regulated or quality-driven workflows and following analytical test methods.
  • Experience supporting laboratory quality systems or lab operations, including use of lab-based software or inventory systems.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage high volumes of requests and documentation accurately.
  • Ability to work with multi-site and multi-stakeholder teams on projects supporting laboratory quality systems.
  • Willingness and ability to learn new digital tools, systems, and processes and to provide ongoing support.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with global and site teams and document work effectively.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with Thermo SampleManager LIMS, including inventory manager and global stocks functionality.
  • SAP experience, particularly in inventory or materials management, is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with Jira and Confluence for tracking work, managing tasks, and documenting project activities.
  • Experience with OneTrack and OneVault or similar document and training management tools.
  • Exposure to chromatography systems or Empower software is a plus but not required.
  • Experience as a laboratory analyst or in quality control (QC) is considered a strong fit.
  • Experience working on multi-site or multi-stakeholder projects supporting laboratory quality systems.
  • Scientific experience with experience following analytical test methods and working in a structured lab setting.
  • Demonstrated comfort with lab-based software, inventory systems, and digital quality tools, even at an entry-level.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and support project timelines and deliverables.

Work Environment

This is a contract role running through the end of the year, with potential extensions based on performance and business needs but no guaranteed continuation beyond the contract period. The position supports a global team of approximately 10 members and collaborates with laboratories across multiple sites. Work hours offer some flexibility around a standard daytime schedule, with start and end times generally expected to be within plus or minus three hours of 8:00 a.m. Central Time; full second or third shift schedules are not expected. The role is heavily systems-focused and involves daily use of Thermo SampleManager LIMS, along with tools such as OneTrack, OneVault, Jira, Confluence, and SAP. The environment emphasizes structured, quality-driven workflows, accurate documentation, and adherence to established procedures. Work is performed in a professional setting supporting laboratory operations and quality systems, with regular virtual collaboration across sites and functions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 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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