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Environmental Lab Analyst

Job Description

Evaluate environmental samples for compliance with holding time and acceptance criteria while conducting routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures and quality control protocols. Recommend adjustments or enhancements to established methods to address complex analytical challenges and serve as the lead analyst for testing across various sample types and matrices. Participate in the Food Emergency Response Network for testing E. coli, listeria, and other bacteria, as well as perform wastewater testing for infectious disease surveillance.

Responsibilities

+ Accession and evaluate environmental samples for compliance with holding time and acceptance criteria.

+ Conduct routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures and quality control protocols.

+ Recommend adjustments or enhancements to established methods to address complex analytical challenges.

+ Serve as the lead analyst for testing across various sample types and matrices.

+ Participate in the Food Emergency Response Network for testing E. coli, listeria, and other bacteria.

+ Perform wastewater testing for infectious disease surveillance.

Essential Skills

+ Experience in chemistry, biology, or microbiology.

+ Proficiency in quality assurance and aseptic techniques.

+ Ability to conduct analytical chemistry and quality control.

+ Skillful in plating techniques.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ 4-year degree in life sciences (biology, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry preferred).

+ 6 months of lab experience required.

Work Environment

The role is lab-based with a schedule of Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including a 30-minute lunch break. Some weekend or overtime work may be requested. The work involves frequent standing, walking, and stair climbing to collect and process samples, combined with sitting and movement across lab stations. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication, involving a lab team of 9 other professionals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Iowa City, Iowa.

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 onsite position in Iowa City,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.