Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician plays a key role within the Crop Transformation Systems group in Biotechnology and Trait Discovery Optimization. This position focuses on executing crop genome engineering experiments that support trait optimization and product development. The role involves conducting transformation and genome editing experiments following established protocols, accurately documenting experimental data in database systems, and contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory methods to enhance overall system performance.

Responsibilities

• Follow the direction of supervisors and team members to carry out crop transformation and genome editing experiments according to established protocols.
• Collect, organize, and document data from experiments in a complete, accurate, and timely manner using appropriate database systems.
• Participate in new technology development and process improvement studies in crop transformation, including planning experiments, testing hypotheses, making observations, and performing data collection and analysis.
• Adhere to all safety policies, protocols, and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
• Support team activities such as explant preparation, equipment maintenance, media assessment and improvement, culture room maintenance, process optimization, and technical support.
• Conduct experiments and daily tasks with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Provide clear summaries and reports of experimental results to supervisors and project stakeholders.
• Present results in internal meetings and, when needed, in external forums, using effective oral and written communication.
• Contribute to the custodianship and proper use of laboratory equipment to maintain a high-quality laboratory environment.
• Assist in continuous improvements of established methods to increase efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of the crop transformation system.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors or Associates degree in plant science, biological science, genetics, horticulture, biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge and experience in general laboratory operations, including following procedures or instructions and carrying out experiments independently.
• Demonstrated ability to perform sampling and maintain detailed, accurate records of experimental procedures and data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for documenting work and presenting results.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Willingness and ability to support a high-quality laboratory environment through careful custodianship of equipment.
• Strict adherence to laboratory safety practices and protocols.
• Ability to function both independently and as a respectful, collaborative team member.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or biology.
• Plant tissue culture and transformation experience, preferred but not required.
• Experience with databases and/or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience working in a biotechnology or plant science research environment.
• Comfort with hypothesis-driven experimental design and basic data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple experiments and tasks.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory setting focused on crop transformation and genome engineering. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule on a first shift. You will work with standard laboratory equipment and materials used in plant science, biotechnology, and tissue culture, and you will operate within culture rooms and other controlled environments. The work environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and proper equipment maintenance, with a strong culture of collaboration, respect, and positive team interaction. Dress is appropriate for a laboratory setting, including adherence to required personal protective equipment and safety guidelines.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $32.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

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.