Lab Assistant

Job Title:

Lab Assistant Job Description The Lab Assistant processes study samples for accessioning, storage, onward shipping, and laboratory testing in accordance with study requirements and standard operating procedures. This role supports a high-throughput, fast-paced laboratory environment and plays a key part in maintaining specimen integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient daily operations within the department. Responsibilities Accession received samples accurately and efficiently according to standard operating procedures and specific study requirements. Route samples that require same-day analysis to the laboratory promptly to meet testing timelines. Perform quality control checks on incoming specimens and verify their identification to ensure accuracy and completeness. Place samples with discrepancies into designated storage locations while issues are investigated and resolved. Collaborate directly with study managers or designated client contacts to resolve sample discrepancies and related issues. Prepare, package, and label specimens that require onward shipping to external recipients for testing. Ensure that all scheduled shipments are completed on time and in line with sponsor and study requirements. Discard samples when required in accordance with laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines. Review, action, and close ad-hoc requests assigned to the specimen management team in a timely manner. Provide day-to-day support to line management in tasks related to the smooth running of the department. Sort incoming specimens for appropriate routing to testing, storage, or onward shipping based on study needs. Ensure that all incoming and outgoing shipments comply with applicable shipping and regulatory requirements. Maintain specimen integrity by storing specimens at proper temperature conditions and taking proactive steps to prevent temperature deviations. Assist with routine freezer maintenance, including organization, inventory, and basic upkeep of storage units. Manage specimen management requirements for higher-complexity studies, ensuring adherence to protocols and documentation standards. Accurately document specimen handling, storage, and shipping activities in laboratory systems or logs as required. Support inventory-related tasks such as tracking supplies needed for specimen processing, packaging, and storage. Essential Skills Good working knowledge of relevant laboratory and specimen handling procedures. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments to support study and operational needs. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, line management, and client representatives. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen accessioning, labeling, and documentation. Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment while maintaining quality standards. Basic data entry skills for recording specimen information and processing details. Clear verbal and written communication skills for telephone and face-to-face interactions. Ability to follow standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements for specimen handling and shipping. Associate degree as a minimum educational requirement. Willingness and desire to learn new processes and adapt to evolving study requirements. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in biology or a science-related field is preferred but not required. Bioworks certificate or similar applied science or laboratory-related certification is preferred. Experience in specimen processing or laboratory accessioning is beneficial but not required (0+ years of experience considered). Exposure to or interest in laboratory, manufacturing, or sample preparation environments. Familiarity with inventory management in a lab or production setting. Understanding or interest in lean manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, or process improvement methodologies. Interest in building a long-term career within the laboratory and remaining within the team for an extended period. Ability to work effectively in a high-throughput environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance. Work Environment This role is based in a modern, brand-new laboratory environment that supports a growing segment of a large clinical research portfolio. The setting is high-throughput and fast-paced, with extensive use of laboratory equipment, freezers, and specimen storage systems. The position involves regular sitting for extended periods, extensive use of a keyboard for data entry, and frequent telephone and face-to-face communication that requires clear and accurate perception of speech. The Lab Assistant works primarily during daytime hours, with scheduling flexibility between approximately 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and typical shifts currently running around 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The culture emphasizes learning, process improvement, and long-term growth within the team, providing opportunities to develop skills in specimen management, lean practices, and clinical research support. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

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.