Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician supports scientific research by assisting technical personnel with general laboratory operations and routine laboratory and information-handling tasks in chemistry, biology, and microbiology. Working under the guidance of a supervisor, this role focuses on plant-related research and involves laboratory, greenhouse, and field activities, including sample collection, DNA extraction, high-throughput PCR, and sample inventory management. The position is fully site-based and requires strict adherence to established methods, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist technical personnel in general laboratory operations to support scientific research in chemistry, biology, and microbiology.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks according to accepted methods and training prescribed by the work instructions and supervisor.
• Work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings to support plant-related research activities.
• Conduct plant sampling and prepare biological samples for downstream analysis.
• Perform DNA extraction from plant and animal samples using established laboratory protocols.
• Run high-throughput PCR assays and ensure accurate processing and documentation of results.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering, tracking, and organizing supplies and reagents.
• Maintain sample management systems, including labeling, cataloging, storing, and tracking biological samples.
• Use basic computer programs such as Microsoft Excel to record, organize, and analyze data and maintain accurate documentation.
• Follow standard operating procedures and laboratory guidelines to ensure consistency and reliability of experimental results.
• Adhere to Environmental Health and Safety standards and use appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.
• Comply with all safety procedures and report any safety concerns or incidents promptly.
• Document experimental methods, observations, and results clearly and accurately for research records.
• Communicate findings and updates effectively to supervisors and team members in both written and verbal formats.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field to support shared research objectives.
• Drive occasionally as needed to support fieldwork or research-related activities, following applicable safety and compliance requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Agricultural Science, or a closely related field.
• At least 1 year of prior relevant experience working in a research laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with PCR techniques, including high-throughput PCR.
• Practical experience with DNA extraction from plant or animal samples.
• Familiarity with core laboratory techniques used in biology and microbiology.
• Ability to follow accepted laboratory methods, standard operating procedures, and detailed work instructions.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs, particularly Microsoft Excel, for data entry, organization, and analysis.
• Understanding of Environmental Health and Safety standards and ability to follow all safety procedures.
• Consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings.
• Strong written communication skills for clear documentation of methods, observations, and results.
• Strong verbal communication skills to effectively share information and updates with the research team.
• Good organizational skills to manage samples, inventory, and documentation accurately.
• Ability to work on-site full time and perform occasional driving as required for research activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education in related scientific disciplines beyond Biology and Agricultural Science is beneficial.
• Experience working in greenhouse and field environments is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to follow complex standard operating procedures and maintain high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated capability to adhere strictly to safety protocols in laboratory and field settings.
• Effective documentation practices to ensure research records are complete, accurate, and well organized.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks in a dynamic research environment.
• Comfort with handling multiple samples and maintaining organized sample management systems.

Work Environment

This is a 100% site-based role that involves working across laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing a consistent daytime work pattern. The environment includes the use of standard laboratory equipment and techniques for DNA extraction and high-throughput PCR, as well as computer-based data management using tools such as Microsoft Excel. Employees follow Environmental Health and Safety standards and are required to use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as lab coats, gloves, and eye protection, as dictated by specific tasks. Work may occasionally include driving to field locations to support research activities. The culture emphasizes collaboration, careful documentation, adherence to standard operating procedures, and strict compliance with safety protocols to support high-quality, reliable scientific research.

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.