Lab Technician

Actalent; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hosp.

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Laboratory Technician for a contract-to-hire position in Gurnee, IL. You will support R&D scientists with experiments, glassware setup, material prep, and data recording in a true wet-lab environment.

The role emphasizes safety, SOP adherence, and collaboration, offering hands-on experience with distillation and purification techniques in a consumer-focused research setting.

Qualifications

• Scientific bachelor's degree in chemistry or related science with organic chemistry coursework and lab.
• Experience in wet lab and basic purification/distillation techniques.
• Ability to follow SOPs and work under scientists' direction.

Responsibilities

• Assist R&D scientists and engineers with experiments and testing following protocols.
• Set up, organize, and clean glassware and equipment during experiments.
• Prepare materials and samples for testing and analysis.
• Perform basic laboratory testing and measurements per SOPs.
• Record and organize experimental data accurately and timely.
• Document test results, observations, and conditions clearly.
• Prepare reagents and equipment for upcoming experiments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Follow safety guidelines and established lab procedures.
• Support general R&D projects and collaborate with colleagues.

Skills

Bachelors in Chemistry

Organic chemistry lab

Wet lab experience

Purification & distillation

Glassware setup

Analytical chemistry basics

Data collection & recording

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science

Tools

Distillation apparatus

Analytical instruments

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

This temporary Laboratory Technician role supports day-to-day research and development activities in a true R&D laboratory setting. You will work closely with scientists and engineers to conduct experiments, prepare materials, and maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace. This position offers extensive hands-on wet lab experience and exposure to laboratory instrumentation, making it an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career scientists looking to build a strong technical foundation.

Responsibilities

• Assist R&D scientists and engineers with laboratory experiments and testing, following their instructions and established protocols.


• Set up, organize, and clean laboratory glassware and equipment before, during, and after experiments.


• Prepare and handle raw materials and finished product samples for testing and analysis.


• Perform basic laboratory testing and measurements in accordance with standard operating procedures.


• Collect, record, and organize experimental data in an accurate and timely manner.


• Document test results, observations, and experimental conditions clearly and precisely.


• Prepare materials, reagents, and equipment for upcoming experiments to ensure smooth workflow.


• Set up reaction and distillation assemblies and other glassware configurations required for experiments.


• Carry out purification and distillation procedures as directed by R&D staff.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace, including routine housekeeping tasks.


• Follow established laboratory procedures, safety guidelines, and best practices at all times.


• Support general R&D projects and laboratory activities as needed, contributing to team objectives.


• Collaborate with laboratory colleagues in a team-oriented environment and uphold commitments to shared goals.

Essential Skills

• Scientific bachelors degree, preferably in chemistry, or a related scientific discipline that includes completion of an organic chemistry course with laboratory.


• Successful completion of at least one organic chemistry laboratory course.


• Hands-on laboratory experience, which may include academic lab experience, with a focus on wet lab work.


• Practical experience with purification and distillation techniques and procedures.


• Ability to set up and work confidently with laboratory glassware, including reaction and distillation setups.


• Basic skills in analytical chemistry and laboratory measurement techniques.


• Ability to accurately collect, record, and organize experimental data and test results.


• Strong attention to detail and adherence to laboratory procedures and safety guidelines.


• Capability to follow instructions from scientists and engineers and work effectively under their direction.


• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in chemistry is preferred, though other scientific degrees are welcome with relevant organic chemistry lab experience.


• Experience in research or R&D settings, including academic research, is beneficial.


• Familiarity with distillation, purification, and other wet chemistry operations.


• Comfort working with a variety of laboratory glassware and equipment in an experimental environment.


• Strong team mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with peers and support shared objectives.


• Reliability in meeting commitments and contributing consistently to team goals.


• Willingness to learn new techniques and instrumentation; many skills can be trained on the job.


• Motivation to build a strong foundation of wet lab skills and instrumentation exposure early in your career.

Work Environment

This role is based in a true R&D laboratory environment focused on developing tailored solutions for applications in consumer-oriented markets such as personal care, food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. You will work with wet chemistry processes, glassware setups for reactions and distillations, and a range of laboratory instruments under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers. The culture is supportive and team-oriented, with colleagues who collaborate closely and maintain a friendly atmosphere; music often plays in the lab, and technicians work together and help each other. The standard hours are primarily 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the need for flexibility to provide coverage between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, while encouraging continuous learning and skill development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gurnee, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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.

• 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 4, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Gurnee,IL.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Accommodations

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.