Lab Assistant

Actalent; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a dedicated Lab Assistant in Johnston, IA to collect DNA samples from soy and wheat plants, following established protocols. The role requires careful attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and maintaining a clean lab environment.

The position is a contract-based, long-term opportunity with a 4-month peak season, typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM, plus occasional weekend work. Base pay is $20.00 per hour, onsite.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Experience in science education and/or science-related work is an asset.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures in a research setting.
• Experience with DNA analysis or plant tissue sampling is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Take samples of soy and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis according to internal protocols.
• Maintain high attention to detail and meet established task metrics.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and adhere to safety standards.
• Perform additional duties, including work with plants in the chamber facility.

Skills

Seed chipping

Greenhouse work

Laboratory work

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree or higher preferred

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Lab Assistant to join our team and contribute to our research initiatives. The ideal candidate will be responsible for taking samples of soy and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis, ensuring all procedures align with established research protocols. A high attention to detail is crucial for meeting task metrics, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the facility. Additional duties may include working with plants in our chamber facility.

Job Title: Lab Assistant

We are seeking a dedicated Lab Assistant to join our team and contribute to our research initiatives. The ideal candidate will be responsible for taking samples of soy and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis, ensuring all procedures align with established research protocols. A high attention to detail is crucial for meeting task metrics, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the facility. Additional duties may include working with plants in our chamber facility.

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Lab Assistant to join our team and contribute to our research initiatives. The ideal candidate will be responsible for taking samples of soy and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis, ensuring all procedures align with established research protocols. A high attention to detail is crucial for meeting task metrics, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the facility. Additional duties may include working with plants in our chamber facility.

Responsibilities

• Take samples of soy and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis according to internal research protocols.
• Maintain high attention to detail and meet established task metrics.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and adhere to safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including working with plants growing in the chamber facility.

Essential Skills

• Experience with seed chipping, greenhouse, and laboratory work.
• Possession of a high school diploma; an associate's degree or higher is preferred.
• Previous work in science education and/or experience.
• Research experience with the ability to follow established protocols and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Willingness to work assigned weekend shifts on a rotational basis.
• Flexibility to work on company holidays as needed.
• Capability to perform hands-on physical work involving repetitive gripping and squeezing, bending, reaching, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations.

Work Environment

The lab assistant will work in a large, climate-controlled facility featuring 32 growth chambers that maintain conditions of 80-85 degrees and sunny. The role involves standing for 8 hours a day, occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, and repetitive motions using tweezers. The dress code is casual, requiring jeans, a work-appropriate shirt, and close-toed shoes. This is an open-ended, long-term contract opportunity with a busy season of about 4 months, during which strong performers may be retained. Typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM, with a 35-40 hour workweek. Weekend work is expected 2 weekends out of every 5 weeks, typically 4 hours per day from 9 AM to 1 PM, with a weekday off preceding a working weekend. The manager collaborates on weekend schedules, estimating needs months in advance.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 2026.

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