Lab Assistant

Actalent, Inc.; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Vacation / PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Actalent, Inc. in Saint Paul, MN, is seeking an accessioner to join our specimen handling team. You will receive samples from couriers, log them into our systems, and prepare them for the lab, with post-analytical tasks such as storage and disposal.

The role includes on-the-job training and a clear path for growth within the laboratory environment. The position is a first-shift, fully onsite role, with a 8:00 am–4:30 pm schedule, Tuesday through Saturday.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, with a preference for coursework in science.
• Intermediate computer, typing, and 10-key skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Receive samples from couriers and start the tracking process.
• Verify samples arrived intact and inspect for damage.
• Label samples after entry into systems and ensure requisition name matches.
• Aliquot, centrifuge, or freeze samples to stabilize if needed.
• Manage sample storage in walk-in refrigerators and freezers at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Prioritization

Typing

10-key

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

The specimen accessioning team plays a crucial role in the pre-analytical and post-analytical processes of testing. As an accessioner, you will be responsible for receiving incoming samples, logging them into the computer, and preparing them for the lab. Additionally, you will handle the post-analytical process, including sample storage and disposal. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to start or grow a career in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet couriers to receive samples from the USA and internationally and initiate the tracking process.
• Verify all samples arrived intact, inspect for damage, remove and dispose of packaging, and move samples down the line for entry.
• Operate multiple computer software systems and remember which software applies to different samples.
• Ensure the name on samples matches requisitions.
• Handle primarily urine samples, with some blood, serum, plasma, and body fluid samples.
• Create labels and label samples after entry into systems.
• Aliquot samples, centrifuge, or freeze them to stabilize if needed.
• Manage the workflow of sample maintenance after 3, 6, or 12 months in walk-in refrigerators and freezers.
• High School Diploma, with a preference for coursework in science.
• Intermediate computer, typing, and 10-key skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Desire to advance within the lab.
• Experience in multitasking.
• Backgrounds in science, customer service, banking, or serving are advantageous.

This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment, handling 5,000-11,000 samples per day. The position is on the 1st shift from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. On-the-job training is provided to ensure you can contribute effectively to the medical laboratory science field. While initially a contract position, there is potential for full-time employment based on performance and business needs. Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees and can accrue up to 144 hours of vacation pay plus holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.75 - $17.75/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 Saint Paul,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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.