Junior Laboratory Analysis

Randstad USA; Tennessee; On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad USA is seeking a detail-oriented Sample Prep Specialist for a 6+ month, 100% onsite contract in Thompson’s Station, TN. You will prepare samples, maintain equipment, manage inventory, and ensure GLP and safety standards are followed.

You will work with a small team (10-person) to support quality and food safety testing for pet nutrition brands, requiring basic MS Office skills and physical readiness to lift up to 40 lbs.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• 0+ years experience; entry-level welcomed with on-the-job training.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to collaborate across shifts.
• Basic computer skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Must be physically capable of lifting up to 40 lbs and standing for extended periods in a lab setting.
• Willing to work with materials derived from plants and animals in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for quality and food safety testing by receiving, cataloging, storing, and handling raw materials and finished products.
• Maintain laboratory equipment cleanliness and sanitation; follow GLP and safety standards.
• Monitor inventory and coordinate timely reorders to prevent testing delays.
• Document daily activities and record sample intake using Microsoft Office tools.
• Communicate with analysts and technicians to prioritize testing support needs.

Skills

Sample handling

Communication

Microsoft Office

Physical stamina

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Location: Thompsons Station, TN -100% onsite

Duration: 6+ Month Contract with potential extension

Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours/week (Saturday – Wednesday)

Pay: $20.63 per hour

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented, reliable Sample Prep Specialist to join our dynamic laboratory team in Thompson’s Station. In this role, you will play an essential part in supporting analytical chemists and technicians who conduct critical quality and food safety testing on raw materials and finished products, primarily for pet nutrition brands.

Working within a collaborative, fast-paced 10-person team, you will ensure our testing operations run smoothly by preparing samples, maintaining clean and organized laboratory equipment, managing supply inventory, and adhering to strict quality protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample Preparation & Handling: Receive, catalog, store, and prepare raw material (plant- and animal-derived) and finished pet food samples for quality and food safety testing.
• Laboratory Maintenance & Sanitation: Thoroughly wash, sanitize, dry, and store critical glassware and testing apparatus according to standard laboratory sanitation procedures.
• Inventory & Supply Management: Monitor laboratory consumables, reagents, and supplies; coordinate timely reorders to prevent testing delays.
• Housekeeping & Safety Compliance: Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant workspace aligned with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and safety standards.
• Documentation & Data Entry: Record sample intake, track inventory levels, and log daily activities using Microsoft Office tools.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate daily with analysts, technicians, and line leadership to prioritize testing support needs.

Basic Qualifications (Required)

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: 0+ years (entry-level candidates welcome; comprehensive on-the-job training provided).
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively across shifts.
• Computer Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs repeatedly and work comfortably standing/moving in a laboratory setting.
• Environment Comfort: Willing and able to handle raw materials derived from both plants and animals.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a technical science (Chemistry, Biology, Food Science) or Engineering.
• 1–2+ years of experience in a laboratory, quality control, or food manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience with laboratory inventory tracking, glassware washing, and data entry.
• Working knowledge of basic chemistry principles or food safety standards.