Lab Analyst

Actalent; Orland Park (IL); 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

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation or Sick Leave

Job summary

Actalent in Orland Hills, IL seeks a Lab Analyst to perform routine environmental sample testing using GC and GC-MS, following EPA Method 8260 and SOPs. This hands-on role focuses on data quality and documentation, with a first-shift schedule Tuesday through Saturday.

You will calibrate instruments, process samples, review results, and maintain safety in a fully onsite environment. Ideal for an early-career lab professional eager to deepen analytical skills in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental analysis using GC/GC-MS and EPA 8260.
• Strong documentation and QA practices.
• First shift and onsite role.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine environmental sample testing using GC and GC-MS.
• Prepare and process samples per SOPs and EPA 8260.
• Calibrate instruments and perform QA checks.
• Review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain a clean, safe workspace and adhere to safety protocols.

Skills

GC/GC-MS instrumentation

EPA Method 8260

Environmental laboratory experience

Laboratory documentation

SOP compliance

Detail oriented

Tuesday-Saturday schedule

Tools

GC

GC-MS

Job description

Lab Analyst Job Description

The Lab Analyst performs routine environmental sample testing using GC and GC-MS instrumentation in a dedicated analytical laboratory. This role focuses on applying EPA Method 8260 and established laboratory procedures to generate accurate, high-quality data while maintaining strong documentation and adherence to safety and quality standards. It is an excellent opportunity for an early-career laboratory professional to deepen hands‑on experience with analytical instrumentation and environmental testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine environmental sample testing using GC and GC-MS instrumentation.
• Conduct analyses in accordance with EPA Method 8260 and established laboratory procedures.
• Prepare and process environmental samples for instrumental analysis, ensuring proper handling and labeling.
• Operate and monitor GC and GC-MS instruments during analysis to ensure reliable performance.
• Perform routine instrument calibration and quality-control activities to maintain data integrity.
• Review analytical data for accuracy, precision, and compliance with laboratory procedures and quality requirements.
• Accurately document sample information, testing activities, and analytical results in laboratory records and systems.
• Assist with basic instrument troubleshooting and routine maintenance of GC and GC-MS equipment.
• Follow all laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality protocols, and safety procedures at all times.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe laboratory workspace to support efficient operations.
• Work a consistent first-shift schedule from Tuesday through Saturday to support laboratory testing needs.

Essential Skills

• 612+ months of hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Experience working with GC and/or GC-MS instrumentation.
• Environmental laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with EPA Method 8260 for environmental testing.
• Ability to follow established analytical methods, SOPs, and quality procedures.
• Strong attention to detail in both analytical work and documentation.
• Ability to accurately record sample information, testing steps, and results.
• Capability to work a consistent Tuesday-Saturday schedule on first shift.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• EPA Method 8260 experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with VOC (volatile organic compound) analysis is a plus.
• Previous environmental laboratory experience is preferred.
• Interest in developing deeper technical experience with GC and GC-MS instrumentation.
• Motivation to build a career in environmental analytical testing within an established laboratory environment.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% onsite in an environmental analytical laboratory and follows a first-shift schedule, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The position is fully hands‑on, working directly with environmental samples and analytical instrumentation such as GC and GC-MS systems. The laboratory environment emphasizes adherence to SOPs, quality standards, and safety procedures, and requires maintaining a clean, organized, and professional workspace while performing routine testing, calibrations, and data review.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orland Hills, IL.

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)

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Orland Hills, IL.

Reasonable Accommodation

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.