Lab Technician

Actalent; Iowa; On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician to support GMP manufacturing quality and compliance. The role involves in-house testing of raw materials, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and accurate data entry in electronic systems across multiple lab sites in the Cedar Rapids area.

Candidates should have a four-year science degree, strong communication skills, GMP knowledge, and experience with HPLC and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Four-year science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-house laboratory testing and enter results into ERP or provide results to designated personnel.
• Monitor receipts of raw materials and components and release materials in ERP after specs are met.
• Prepare samples for testing at outside labs and ensure proper labeling and shipment.
• Prepare reagents and solutions for routine and specialized testing.
• Maintain laboratory and equipment to ensure a safe, organized working environment.
• Calibrate and perform periodic equipment checks to meet GMP standards.
• Track test results and quality metrics in spreadsheets/databases.
• Communicate test results to production staff for manufacturing decisions.
• Draft, review, and revise SOPs and documentation to reflect current practices.

Skills

Communication skills

GMP experience

HPLC knowledge

ERP data entry

Data management

Lab procedures

pH testing

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Microbiology

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

HPLC equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lab Technician

The Lab Technician performs a full range of in‑house testing to support product quality, safety, and compliance in a GMP manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for testing raw materials and packaging components, preparing samples and reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment and documentation, and accurately entering and tracking results in electronic systems. The Lab Technician collaborates closely with production, quality, and external laboratories to ensure timely, reliable data and continuous improvement of laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform all in‑house laboratory testing and accurately enter results into the ERP system or provide results to designated personnel.
• Monitor receipts of raw materials and packaging components, conduct required quality tests, and release materials in the ERP system once specifications are met.
• Prepare samples for testing performed at outside laboratories and ensure proper labeling, documentation, and shipment.
• Prepare reagents and solutions needed for routine and specialized laboratory testing.
• Clean and maintain the laboratory and all lab equipment to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
• Perform calibration and periodic checks of laboratory equipment to maintain accuracy and compliance with GMP standards.
• Monitor laboratory supply inventory and initiate ordering of reagents, consumables, and other supplies to prevent stockouts.
• Review test results, notebooks, and laboratory worksheets in a timely manner to verify completeness, accuracy, and compliance with procedures.
• Update spreadsheets and databases to track test results, external testing status, and quality metrics for ongoing monitoring and reporting.
• Effectively communicate in‑process quality results to production staff and other laboratory personnel to support manufacturing decisions.
• Conduct regular laboratory inspections to ensure adherence to safety, GMP, and housekeeping standards.
• Draft, review, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory worksheets, and related documentation to reflect current practices and regulatory expectations.
• Assist with training laboratory and production personnel on laboratory procedures, test methods, and documentation requirements.
• Communicate with outside laboratories, customers, and suppliers regarding testing needs, sample requirements, and result interpretation.
• Execute additional responsibilities and special projects as required to support laboratory operations and quality initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Four‑year science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, with a preference for a background in Chemistry or Organic Chemistry.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory, production, and quality teams.
• Hands‑on industry experience in a chemistry laboratory using HPLC and wet chemistry methods, particularly in a food lab environment (required if candidate has a two‑year science degree).
• Practical knowledge of GMP principles and the ability to work in a regulated lab environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including the ability to enter and manage data in ERP systems and spreadsheets.
• Experience performing manual testing and working in a lab environment focused on food quality, quality assurance, and technical accuracy.
• Ability to perform pH measurements and other routine analytical tests with precision.
• Attention to detail and strong documentation skills to ensure accurate test records and compliance with SOPs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry is preferred.
• Experience writing, reviewing, and maintaining SOPs and other technical documentation.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to manage and analyze laboratory data.
• background in quality, quality assurance, and food quality testing.
• Technical writing skills for clear and concise documentation of test methods and results.Ability to work effectively in a lab environment that interfaces closely with manufacturing and warehouse operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tests, priorities, and projects while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.

Work Environment

This position is based in a GMP manufacturing facility, and the Lab Technician works closely with quality control and production teams in a plant setting. The lab team consists of approximately nine members who rotate between three different laboratories located at multiple sites on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. The