Lab Assistant

Actalent; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Assistant to support a high-volume clinical laboratory, focusing on liquid chromatography-based testing. You will prepare and organize specimens and reagents, maintain accurate documentation, and adapt to shifting tasks throughout the day.

Responsibilities include handling urine, blood, serum, and other specimens, maintaining logs, and supporting technologists. This role emphasizes GDP, SOP adherence, and teamwork in a fast-paced lab environment on second shift in Saint

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pursuing or completed a science degree, preferably chemistry-focused.
• At least 6 months of laboratory experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail in specimen handling and documentation.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory processes and chemistry concepts.
• Experience with specimen processing and aliquoting of samples.
• Ability to follow SOPs and GDP consistently.

Responsibilities

• Organize and retrieve specimens for testing and aliquot samples as needed.
• Prioritize work and batch samples to meet turnaround times.
• Recognize unacceptable specimens and follow procedures to resolve issues.
• Follow SOPs when preparing materials and specimens for testing.
• Apply good documentation practices in all records and paperwork.
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked work area to support operations.
• Maintain accurate records for all tests and equipment logs.
• Assist in preparing laboratory reagents per SOPs and time frames.
• Contribute to training of others and adapt to workflow changes.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Specimen handling

SOPs & documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelors degree in science (chemistry-focused preferred)

Job description

Job Description

The Lab Assistant supports a high-volume clinical laboratory by preparing and organizing specimens and reagents for testing performed by technologists. This role focuses heavily on liquid chromatography-based testing and requires meticulous buffer and reagent preparation, accurate documentation, and the flexibility to shift tasks throughout the day based on operational needs.

The Lab Assistant supports a high-volume clinical laboratory by preparing and organizing specimens and reagents for testing performed by technologists. This role focuses heavily on liquid chromatography-based testing and requires meticulous buffer and reagent preparation, accurate documentation, and the flexibility to shift tasks throughout the day based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Organize and retrieve specimens, including urine, blood, serum, plasma, and oral fluid, for testing and aliquot samples as needed.
• Evaluate specimens and test orders to determine work priorities and batch organization to maintain acceptable turnaround times.
• Recognize unacceptable or unusual specimens and follow appropriate procedures to resolve issues.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) when preparing materials and specimens for both pre-extraction and post-extraction processes.
• Apply good documentation practices (GDP) consistently in all laboratory records and paperwork.
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, and organized work area to support efficient laboratory operations.
• Clean and maintain glassware and extraction materials to ensure readiness for testing.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all laboratory tests and equipment, including maintenance logs, temperature logs, disinfection logs, and assay SOPs.
• Support the preparation of laboratory reagents according to established departmental SOPs and within defined time frames.
• Deliver accurate, high-quality patient care through precise specimen handling and preparation while maintaining efficiency.
• Participate in the instruction and training of others by demonstrating and explaining testing processes or observing processes performed by colleagues.
• Adapt to a fluid workflow and change tasks throughout the day based on business and laboratory needs.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ideally working toward or having completed a bachelors degree in a science discipline, preferably chemistry-focused.
• At least 6 months of laboratory experience, which may include academic or school laboratory work.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail in specimen handling, reagent preparation, and documentation.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory processes and chemistry concepts.
• Experience with specimen processing, including handling and aliquoting various sample types.
• Demonstrated multi-tasking skills, supported by references.
• Ability to follow SOPs and good documentation practices accurately and consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in developing a career in a laboratory setting, particularly in a chemistry-focused environment.
• Comfort working with liquid chromatography-based testing and related buffer and reagent preparation.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain clean, well-stocked work areas and accurate logs.
• Ability to collaborate with technologists and other laboratory staff and to support training activities.
• Willingness to adapt to a fluid workflow and shift between tasks as operational needs change.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced laboratory environment that supports extensive liquid chromatography testing. The schedule is on second shift, Sunday through Thursday, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Work takes place across two laboratory areas with a combined staff of over 100 people, ensuring regular collaboration and support. Staffing levels vary by day, with lighter and heavier days, but team members are not expected to work completely isolated; while portions of the role may involve working alone in a specific area, other staff are always nearby and available for questions. The environment emphasizes adherence to SOPs, accurate documentation, and maintaining clean, organized workspaces, providing a structured setting for those looking to gain experience in a professional lab without requiring a completed degree.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of SAINT PAUL, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.53 - $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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of SAINT PAUL, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in SAINT PAUL,MN.

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.