Environmental Lab Analyst

Actalent; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks an Environmental Lab Analyst to evaluate and process environmental samples, ensuring regulatory and quality compliance. The role includes bacteriological and analytical testing, wastewater analysis for disease surveillance, and contributing to method development in a fast-paced lab.

Responsibilities include sample accessioning, routine testing, QA/QC adherence, and collaboration with nine colleagues to meet turnaround times.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry, biology, or microbiology.
• Foundational knowledge in chemistry, biology, or microbiology with practical lab skills.
• Prospective candidates should be comfortable with routine bacteriological testing and aseptic technique.
• Experience with analytical chemistry methods and quality control practices is beneficial.
• Ability to follow established protocols and recognize when adjustments are needed.
• Comfort working in a collaborative team environment and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Accession and evaluate environmental samples for holding times and acceptance criteria.
• Conduct routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures.
• Perform analytical testing across sample types; lead analyst when assigned.
• Recommend adjustments to analytical methods for challenging samples.
• Support wastewater testing for infectious disease surveillance.
• Apply aseptic technique and proper plating methods for accurate results.
• Document testing activities and maintain records per laboratory standards.
• Follow QA/QC procedures to ensure reliability and reproducibility of data.
• Collaborate with laboratory colleagues to coordinate sample processing and turnaround times.
• Communicate sample status, testing issues, and method improvements to the team.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Support weekend and overtime testing as scheduled.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Bacteriological testing

Aseptic technique

Analytical chemistry

Quality control

Plating techniques

Record keeping

Documentation

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

Job Description

Environmental Lab Analyst

Job Description

The Environmental Lab Analyst evaluates and processes environmental samples to ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards. This role performs routine and specialized bacteriological and analytical testing, supports infectious disease surveillance through wastewater analysis, and contributes to method development and continuous improvement within a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Accession and evaluate environmental samples to confirm compliance with holding times and established acceptance criteria.
• Conduct routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures and documented quality control protocols.
• Perform analytical testing across various sample types and matrices, serving as a lead analyst when assigned.
• Recommend adjustments or enhancements to established analytical methods to address complex or challenging samples.
• Participate in Food Emergency Response Network activities, including testing for organisms such as E. coli, Listeria, and other bacteria.
• Perform wastewater testing to support infectious disease surveillance initiatives.
• Apply aseptic technique and proper plating methods to ensure accurate microbiological results.
• Document all testing activities accurately and maintain organized records in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Follow quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure reliability and reproducibility of data.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory colleagues to coordinate sample processing and meet turnaround times.
• Communicate effectively with team members regarding sample status, testing issues, and method improvements.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Support weekend and overtime testing needs as scheduled to ensure continuity of laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry, biology, or microbiology.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, biology, or microbiology with practical lab skills.
• Proficiency in routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures.
• Ability to apply aseptic technique consistently to prevent contamination.
• Experience with analytical chemistry methods and quality control practices.
• Skill in microbiological plating and handling various sample types and matrices.
• Attention to detail in sample accessioning, evaluation, and documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols while recognizing when method adjustments may be needed.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple samples and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating within a laboratory team.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality assurance standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Four-year degree in life sciences required; majors such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry are preferred.
• Experience working in a quality assurance or quality control-focused laboratory environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with infectious disease surveillance or public health-related testing is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support weekend or overtime work when requested.
• Comfort working in a collaborative team setting with multiple laboratory professionals.

Work Environment

This is a lab-based role that involves physical activity throughout the day in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with rotating weekend shifts every other weekend. Weekend hours typically include Saturday from 9:0 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday for 2–4 hours, depending on sample arrival. During weeks that include weekend work, an equivalent amount of time off during a weekday is provided, with the specific day and hours predetermined on the schedule and varying from week to week. Some weekend or overtime work may be requested to meet testing demands. The work setting includes frequent standing, walking, and stair climbing to collect and process samples, along with a combination of sitting and movement across multiple lab stations. The pace is fast, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. The lab team consists of nine other professionals who work closely together to manage sample flow and maintain high-quality results. Typical laboratory attire is required in accordance with safety protocols, including appropriate personal protective equipment.

Job Type & Location

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