Lab Assistant

Actalent; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

HSA

Job summary

Actalent in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Lab Assistant to support quality control laboratory operations on a night shift. You will perform routine analytical testing and prepare samples, ensuring data integrity for process control and product development.

You'll work with HPLC and GC systems, use LIMS and CDS, and communicate results clearly with the team. This contract-to-hire role offers hands-on growth in analytical chemistry within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Academic or industry laboratory experience.
• Hands-on wet chemistry and sample preparation.
• Experience operating HPLC and GC instruments.
• Comfort with data entry and LIMS/CDS.
• Basic understanding of quality control in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing per protocols and work instructions.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and samples for testing.
• Operate and maintain HPLC and GC systems per instructions.
• Identify instrument issues and assist in resolution.
• Record and report analytical results with data integrity.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Wet chemistry

Data entry

Quality control

Communication

Tools

LIMS

CDS

HPLC

Gas chromatography (GC)

Job description

Job Description

The Lab Assistant quality control laboratory operations by performing routine analytical testing and laboratory support activities on a night shift schedule. This role provides accurate analytical data for process control, quality control, process development, product development, and waste management. The position is ideal for candidates with foundational laboratory experience who want to build their skills in analytical chemistry and instrumentation within a fast-paced, production-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing on laboratory samples according to established protocols, test methods, and work instructions.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and samples, including wet chemistry and sample preparation tasks, to support testing activities.
• Operate and perform basic operational preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment, including HPLC and gas chromatography (GC) systems, following work instructions.
• Identify, diagnose, and communicate typical instrument problems with minimal assistance, and provide support to others in resolving issues.
• Understand and operate Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Chromatography Data Systems (CDS), and other instrument-specific computer systems.
• Search and use various databases to locate test methods, specifications, and standards required to complete analyses.
• Promptly and accurately record, calculate, and report analytical results, ensuring data integrity and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Review analytical data, LIMS reports, and other documentation to verify accuracy and consistency with established specifications.
• Complete data entry for laboratory metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify process improvement ideas.
• Communicate and discuss testing results, issues, and discrepancies with team members and supervisors, maintaining clear and professional communication.
• Alert laboratory leadership to issues involving sample integrity, supply inventory, safety concerns, or analysis irregularities.

Essential Skills

• Academic or industry laboratory experience, with a strong foundation in routine lab practices.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing, including sample preparation and wet chemistry techniques.
• Experience operating HPLC and gas chromatography (GC) instruments.
• Comfort with data entry and use of laboratory information systems such as LIMS and CDS.
• Basic understanding of quality control principles and practices in a laboratory setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, MO.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kansas City,MO.

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.