Grain Quality Analyst

Actalent; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Grain Quality Analyst in Ankeny, IA to identify and prepare incoming grain samples as well as ensure proper labeling and requested analyses. The role emphasizes ISO-guided testing, data integrity, and timely delivery of results in a high-throughput laboratory environment.

Applicants should hold a science degree, have 3+ years of related industry experience, and be capable of following established guidelines while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science field and relevant lab experience.
• Proficiency in performing analytical tests and following SOPs.
• Ability to handle labeling, data recording, and ISO workflows.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prepare incoming grain samples with correct labeling.
• Analyze samples following ISO work instructions.
• Prioritize analyses based on customer needs and lab capacity.
• Organize and coordinate projects in a high throughput lab.
• Ensure data integrity and deliver results efficiently.
• Collaborate effectively within multi-discipline teams.

Skills

Laboratory work

Chemistry

Biology

Data integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or a closely related field

Tools

GC

NIR Spectroscopy

NMR

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Grain Quality AnalystJob Description

As a Grain Quality Analyst, you will be responsible for the identification and preparation of incoming grain samples. You will ensure that all samples are correctly labeled and that appropriate analytical tests have been requested. Your role will involve preparing and analyzing samples according to ISO work instructions, while also prioritizing analyses based on customer needs. You will organize and coordinate projects within a high throughput laboratory environment, ensuring the integrity of analytical data and delivering laboratory results efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prepare incoming grain samples, ensuring correct labeling and requested analysis.
• Analyze samples following ISO work instructions.
• Prioritize analyses according to customer needs and lab capacity.
• Organize and coordinate projects in a high throughput lab environment.
• Ensure data integrity and deliver laboratory results efficiently.
• Function effectively within multi-discipline teams.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in laboratory work with skills in chemistry and biology.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or a closely related field.
• At least three years of related industry experience.
• Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with total combustion analysis, elemental analysis, and calorimetry.
• Familiarity with Gas Chromatography (GC), NIR Spectroscopy, and NMR.
• Hands-on experience with total oil analysis, colorimetry, falling number, and farinograph.
• Proficiency in wet chemical analyses, LIMS, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Equivalent relevant experience will be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

Work Environment

The work schedule is Monday to Friday on the first shift. The position requires working under immediate supervision and typically reporting to a supervisor. The work environment is a high throughput laboratory setting that emphasizes collaboration within multi-discipline teams.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $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)

• 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 Ankeny, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ankeny,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 [e-mail] 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.