Lab Technician

Laboratory Operations Specialist

Job Description

Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Laboratory Operations Specialist. This role involves supporting daily activities in a laboratory setting by leading general operations, ensuring orderliness, and maintaining cleanliness. You will be involved in receiving and labeling incoming samples, maintaining labware inventory, and preparing buffers and reagents. The position requires troubleshooting and operating equipment necessary for PCR production, as well as reviewing and archiving task-related documents.

Responsibilities

• Handle chipping processes.
• Lead general operations and housekeeping in the laboratory.
• Receive and label incoming samples.
• Maintain labware inventory and prepare necessary buffers and reagents.
• Troubleshoot and operate equipment for PCR production.
• Generate and evaluate lab-scale sample testing for customer technical programs.
• Support product research programs and manufacturing decisions.
• Maintain logs, notebooks, and records, including digital documents.
• Conduct internet and information searches for problem-solving.
• Perform stoichiometric calculations for production.
• Understand and follow EHS SOPs and Responsible Care guidelines.
• Manage multiple tasks and work with various technical supervisors.
• Interface with manufacturing and research personnel, and customers as needed.

Essential Skills

• Strong skills in Microbiology, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Experience in laboratory research.
• Bachelor's degree in a science field (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, etc.).
• 1+ year of lab experience preferred.

Work Environment

Work in one of the largest genotyping labs within the agriculture industry, utilizing advanced automation. The environment is focused on safety and efficiency, adhering to all EHS SOPs and Responsible Care regulations.

This is a Contract position based out of Ankeny, IA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Ankeny,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 6, 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.