Lab Technician

Actalent; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support seed quality analyses and greenhouse operations in Ankeny, IA. The role focuses on creating and moving physical seed samples, preparing buffers, and performing designated quality analyses.

This contract position requires 1–3 years of lab experience, basic chemistry/biology knowledge, and GMP/ISO familiarity. Work is onsite on a 3rd shift schedule, with comprehensive benefits and safety protocols in place.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in a laboratory, seed quality, or related scientific environment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Foundational chemistry and biology knowledge applicable to laboratory work.
• Experience handling reagents and laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with GMP or similar quality standards.
• Ability to follow ISO Quality Management Standards and SOPs.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate sample handling and documentation.
• Excellent communication in a global, multicultural team.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and handle physical seed samples per procedures.
• Perform designated physical seed quality analyses to support testing and research activities.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and other laboratory solutions accurately and safely.
• Assist with seed health tests and documentation.
• Perform greenhouse work as needed to support seed health and grow-out assays.
• Maintain indicator plants and conduct grow-out assays to assess seed quality and plant health.
• Inspect, operate, and maintain laboratory and greenhouse equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• Follow and maintain ISO Quality Management Standards and GMP procedures.
• Wear PPE and follow safety protocols in lab and greenhouse settings.
• Communicate effectively with team members in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Document work accurately and maintain organized records.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Safety compliance (PPE, GMP)

Communication skills

Multicultural teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Buffer preparation

Reagent handling

Job description

Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on the creation and movement of physical seed samples and the performance of designated physical seed quality analyses. The Seed Quality Laboratory Technician supports laboratory and greenhouse operations by preparing buffers and reagents, assisting with seed health tests, and contributing to greenhouse work in a fast-paced, global, and multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and handle physical seed samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform designated physical seed quality analyses to support laboratory testing and research activities.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and other laboratory solutions accurately and safely.
• Assist with seed health tests, including sample preparation, processing, and documentation.
• Perform greenhouse work as needed to support seed health and grow-out assays.
• Maintain indicator plants and conduct grow-out assays to assess seed quality and plant health.
• Inspect, operate, and maintain laboratory and greenhouse equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• Follow and maintain ISO Quality Management Standards in all laboratory and greenhouse activities.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety protocols while working in the lab and greenhouse.
• Communicate effectively with team members and collaborate in a fast-paced, global, and multicultural environment.
• Document work accurately and maintain organized records in alignment with quality and compliance expectations.

Essential Skills

• 1-3 years of experience in a laboratory, seed quality, or related scientific environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Foundational knowledge of chemistry and biology applicable to laboratory work.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting, including handling reagents and equipment.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or similar quality and compliance standards.
• Ability to follow ISO Quality Management Standards and standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling, testing, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a global and multicultural team.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Related experience and/or training in seed quality, plant science, or a similar field is preferred.
• Experience with greenhouse operations, including plant care and monitoring, is beneficial.
• Comfort working with indicator plants and conducting grow-out assays.
• Ability to learn and operate new laboratory and greenhouse equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to maintaining quality and safety.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a laboratory and greenhouse environment on a 3rd shift schedule, typically from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. The role involves working with laboratory chemicals, buffers, reagents, and seed samples, as well as maintaining and operating laboratory and greenhouse equipment. Team members follow ISO Quality Management Standards and Good Manufacturing Practices, and they must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to all safety procedures. The work setting is fast-paced, global, and multicultural, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, clear communication, and consistent adherence to quality and safety standards.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/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.

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 Ankeny,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.