Lab Analyst I

Nelson Labs; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotera Health, including Nelson Labs, is seeking a Laboratory Analyst to join our regulated laboratory team in Itasca, IL. This role offers hands-on experience in testing medical devices and healthcare products, with structured training and opportunities to progress within a global life sciences organization.

You will perform laboratory testing according to SOPs, document results in real time, maintain sample traceability, and support quality systems and regulatory compliance while collaborating

Qualifications

• What You’ll Need: High school diploma or equivalent; science degree preferred for advancement.
• Two years of qualified laboratory experience preferred.
• Basic computer and math skills plus strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing according to established procedures and approved protocols.
• Support GLP, GMP, and other regulated testing activities.
• Prepare samples, materials, supplies, and media for testing.
• Follow SOPs and controlled laboratory instructions; document activities in real time.
• Maintain sample identification and traceability throughout testing.
• Identify and communicate deviations or testing issues.
• Collaborate with Study Directors and team members.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and quality-focused work environment.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Math skills

Communication

Reliability

Integrity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related field

Associate degree or relevant lab coursework

Job description

The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health.Sotera Health Company is a leading global provider of mission-critical sterilization and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of millions of patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.Across our 64 facilities worldwide, we have over 3,000 employees who are dedicated to safety and quality. We are a trusted partner to more than 5,800 customers in over 50 countries, including more than 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.The name Sotera Health was inspired by Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety, and reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, Safeguarding Global Health.Sotera Health Company is a leading global provider of mission-critical sterilization and lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry. With a combined tenure across our businesses of nearly 200 years and our industry recognized scientific and technological expertise, we help to ensure the safety of millions of patients and healthcare practitioners around the world every year.Across our 64 facilities worldwide, we have over 3,000 employees who are dedicated to safety and quality. We are a trusted partner to more than 5,800 customers in over 50 countries, including more than 40 of the top 50 medical device companies and 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.Build Your Career in Laboratory ScienceAre you interested in starting or growing a career in laboratory science, biotechnology, medical devices, or life sciences?We are looking for motivated, detail-oriented individuals to join our laboratory team as a Laboratory Analyst. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates, early-career professionals, and individuals with a strong interest in science who want to gain hands-on experience in a regulated laboratory environment.Prior professional laboratory experience is not required for all opportunities. We provide structured training to help you learn our procedures, quality standards, documentation practices, and testing processes.As a Laboratory Analyst, you will contribute to testing that supports the safety and quality of medical devices and other healthcare products used around the world.What You’ll DoAs a Laboratory Analyst, you will receive training and work alongside experienced laboratory professionals. Depending on your assigned laboratory area, you may:Perform laboratory testing according to established procedures and approved protocolsSupport GLP, GMP, and/or other regulated testing activitiesPrepare samples, materials, supplies, and media needed for testingFollow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other controlled laboratory instructionsAccurately document testing activities and results in real timeMaintain sample identification and traceability throughout the testing processIdentify and communicate unexpected results, deviations, or testing issuesAssist with controlled documents and laboratory recordsCollaborate with Study Directors and other laboratory team membersMaintain an organized, safe, and quality-focused work environmentParticipate in training and continuous improvement activitiesWhat We’re Looking ForHave a high school diploma or equivalentAre interested in science, laboratory work, healthcare, biotechnology, or medical devicesCan carefully follow written procedures and detailed instructionsTake pride in accuracy and attention to detailAre comfortable performing structured or repetitive tasks while maintaining consistent qualityAre organized and able to complete work within established timelinesHave basic computer and math skillsCommunicate effectively and work well as part of a teamAre comfortable asking questions and learning new processesDemonstrate reliability, initiative, honesty, and integrityPreferred, But Not RequiredBachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or another science-related fieldAssociate degree or relevant laboratory courseworkPrevious laboratory, manufacturing, quality, healthcare, or other regulated-industry experienceTwo years of qualified laboratory experienceWe encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are interested in candidates who are dependable, curious, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn.What You’ll LearnThis role offers the opportunity to build valuable experience in areas such as:Hands-on laboratory testingGood Laboratory Practice (GLP)Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)Good Documentation Practice (GDP)Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Quality systems and regulatory complianceSample traceability and data integrityProblem-solving in a regulated laboratory environmentCross-functional teamwork within the life sciences industryPay:The hourly pay range for this position is $18.03 to $25.96. The starting rate for a successful candidate will be determined based on job-related qualifications, skills, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and market conditions. While the full range reflects the potential earning opportunity for the role, new hires are typically placed within a portion of the range that is appropriate for their qualifications and experience.Why Join Us?With us your work contributes to a larger purpose: supporting the safety and quality of healthcare products used by patients around the world.Whether you are beginning your career or looking to build additional laboratory experience, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, develop technical and regulatory skills, and explore career paths within a global life sciences organization.If you are curious, dependable, detail-oriented, and ready to learn, we encourage you to apply.Sotera Health goes to market through its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics, Nordion and Nelson Labs. Sterigenics is a leading global provider of outsourced terminal sterilization and irradiation services for the medical device, pharmaceutical, food safety and advanced applications markets. Nordion is the leading global provider of Co-60 and gamma irradiators, which are key components to the gamma sterilization process. Nelson Labs is a global leader in outsourced microbiological and analytical chemistry testing and advisory services for the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.Sotera Health goes to market through its three best-in-class businesses – Sterigenics, Nordion and Nelson Labs. Sterigenics is a leading global provider of outsourced terminal sterilization and irradiation services for the medical device, pharmaceutical, food safety and advanced applications markets. Nordion is the leading global provider of Co-60 and gamma irradiators, which are key components to the gamma sterilization process. Nelson Labs is a global leader in outsourced microbiological and analytical chemistry testing and advisory services for the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.