Lab Assistant

Actalent; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Job summary

Actalent in Wisconsin is seeking a Laboratory Technician – 2nd Shift to perform hands-on microbiology testing in a fast-growing laboratory environment. The role is on a 2nd shift schedule with four 10-hour shifts per week, with training on the 1st shift.

You will work with biological samples, plating, and standard laboratory equipment, gaining practical experience and growth opportunities within the national organization. A degree in the sciences and hands-on microbiology experience are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology, microbiology or related science.
• Hands-on biology/microbiology lab techniques.
• Proficiency in plating and pipetting procedures.
• Ability to operate and maintain standard lab equipment safely.
• Capacity to work independently with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology testing on samples for the majority of the workday, following established protocols and quality standards.
• Carry out plating procedures and other biological assays with accuracy and consistency.
• Use standard laboratory equipment and techniques, including pipetting, to prepare, process, and analyze samples.
• Document test procedures, observations, and results clearly in laboratory records and systems.
• Complete routine remedial tasks such as cleaning workstations, maintaining lab equipment, and organizing materials to ensure a safe and orderly laboratory environment.
• Follow laboratory safety guidelines and good laboratory practices at all times.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, managing workload and prioritizing tasks to meet testing timelines.
• Participate in cross‑training opportunities and learn additional laboratory areas and methods as performance and business needs allow.

Skills

Biology degree

Microbiology techniques

Pipetting

Lab safety

Independent worker

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/microbiology

Tools

Pipettes

Lab equipment

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician – 2nd Shift

This full-time Laboratory Technician position offers the opportunity to perform hands‑on microbiology testing in a fast‑growing laboratory environment. The role is based on a 2nd shift schedule with four 10‑hour shifts per week and includes comprehensive training on 1st shift. You will work primarily with biological samples, plating, and standard lab equipment while gaining practical experience and the chance to grow into additional areas within the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology laboratory testing on samples for approximately 80% to 90% of the workday, following established protocols and quality standards.
• Conduct plating procedures and other biological assays with accuracy and consistency.
• Use standard laboratory equipment and techniques, including pipetting, to prepare, process, and analyze samples.
• Document test procedures, observations, and results clearly and accurately in laboratory records and systems.
• Complete routine remedial tasks such as cleaning workstations, maintaining lab equipment, and organizing materials to ensure a safe and orderly laboratory environment.
• Follow laboratory safety guidelines and good laboratory practices at all times.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, managing workload and prioritizing tasks to meet testing timelines.
• Participate in cross‑training opportunities and learn additional laboratory areas and methods as performance and business needs allow.

Essential Skills

• Degree in the sciences (such as biology, microbiology, or a related scientific discipline).
• Hands‑on experience or academic training in biology and microbiology laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency in plating and pipetting procedures within a laboratory setting.
• Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment safely and effectively.
• Capacity to work independently with little direct supervision while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills to record testing activities and results clearly.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and adhere to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in gaining real‑world laboratory experience in a high‑growth environment.
• Willingness to be cross‑trained and to expand skills into additional areas within the lab.
• Openness to future internal career opportunities, including potential relocation, as the organization offers a broad range of paths for advancement.
• Comfort working on a consistent 2nd shift schedule with four 10‑hour workdays per week.

Work Environment

The role is based in a dedicated laboratory environment where you will spend the majority of your time performing microbiology testing at the bench. You will work four 10‑hour shifts per week on 2nd shift, scheduled Sunday through Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Initial training will take place Monday through Friday on 1st shift from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Approximately 80% to 90% of each day is focused on micro lab testing, while one to two hours are devoted to documentation, cleaning, and other routine tasks. The site is experiencing rapid growth, offering a dynamic atmosphere with opportunities to be cross‑trained in different lab areas and to develop your career in a national organization. Standard laboratory attire and adherence to safety protocols are expected to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of NEW BERLIN, WI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/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 NEW BERLIN,WI.
• Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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 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.