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Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician is responsible for entering sample data into the eLIMS system accurately and promptly, conducting laboratory testing on incoming samples, and ensuring sample turnaround time goals are met or exceeded. The technician will maintain a clean and sanitized work area, homogenize and aseptically split samples into bags, enrich samples with media, and incubate samples using the LIMS system.

Responsibilities

+ Enter sample data into the eLIMS system accurately and in a timely manner.

+ Conduct laboratory testing on all incoming samples efficiently and accurately.

+ Ensure sample turnaround time goals are met or exceeded.

+ Maintain a clean, sanitized, and tidy work area.

+ Homogenize and aseptically split samples into bags.

+ Enrich samples with media and incubate using the LIMS system.

+ Check samples into retain using storage management.

+ Identify non-conformances and out-of-specifications samples.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

+ Proficiency in biology and microbiology.

+ Experience with aseptic and sterile techniques.

+ Familiarity with laboratory procedures and quality assurance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ AAS or BA degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.

+ Comfortable in a fast-paced lab environment.

+ Positive personality, strong attention to detail, ability to work independently.

Work Environment

The lab operates with two shifts: one from 12:00pm to 8:30pm (Monday through Friday) and another from 10:00pm to 6:30am (Tuesday through Saturday). The environment is repetitive and time-sensitive, requiring adaptability to varying workloads, potentially leading to 45-50 hours of work per week with occasional overtime. The lab tests pet food, ingredients, nutraceuticals, and food dyes. Candidates should be prepared for standing all day and utilizing hand tools. Appropriate attire includes long pants, closed-toe shoes, a lab coat, and safety glasses.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.96 - $20.35/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 Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 19, 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 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.