Lab Technician Job Description The Lab Technician performs accurate and timely laboratory analyses in a fast-paced production environment, supporting nutritional and related testing across multiple scientific disciplines. This role follows established quality systems and regulatory standards, operates core laboratory equipment, and prepares and analyzes samples to meet customer commitments while maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant work area. Responsibilities Understand and follow Quality System documents relevant to daily work, including the Quality Manual, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and analytical methods. Adhere to all applicable quality measures to meet or exceed ISO/IEC, cGMP, GLP, and internal company requirements related to assigned duties. Comply with all health, safety, and environmental regulations associated with assigned analytical work, and actively contribute to maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. Demonstrate proficiency in at least one core analytical method and independently perform at least one additional assigned method with no more than 25% supervision. Operate all required basic laboratory equipment within the department safely and effectively. Set up batches of samples for analysis, including accurately weighing and documenting samples according to established procedures. Prepare samples for analysis using appropriate wet chemistry, microbiology, or other relevant laboratory techniques. Perform timely and accurate analysis of samples to meet customer commitments, using appropriate analytical methods and techniques. Apply appropriate data reduction and basic data analysis to generate reliable and valid test results. Support quality control and quality assurance practices by following established protocols and documenting work accurately. Collaborate with team members across different laboratory sections to ensure efficient workflow and on-time delivery of results. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field is strongly preferred. High school diploma and previous laboratory experience are required if a Bachelor's degree is not held. Experience working in a production or high-throughput laboratory environment is beneficial. Familiarity with HPLC is an advantage. Experience working under cGMP or GLP conditions is a plus. Microbiology laboratory experience is advantageous. Ability to work effectively on evening or overnight shifts and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment. Work Environment This role is based in a large, fast-paced production laboratory facility that houses multiple specialized labs, including areas such as sample preparation, dietary fiber, and proximate analysis. The lab performs nutritional testing and related analyses for a variety of clients across numerous industries. 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 $20.30 - $21.70/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 May 22, 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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.