Lab Technician

Actalent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,962,000 - 103,155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Lab Technician to support analytical testing in a quality-driven production environment. You will operate ICP-OES/ICP-MS and XRD, develop methods, and report results in LIMS, coordinating with the Laboratory team.

Requires a chemistry/materials background with 1–2+ years in a QC lab, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead sample prep and assist audits. This is a contract-to-hire onsite role in Marion, IN.

Qualifications

• Experience operating ICP-OES/ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, and XRD or UV-Vis.
• Quality control laboratory experience required.
• Experience with sample digestion for inorganic analysis.
• Experience with trace metals analysis and calibration materials (CRMs).

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality standards across all work areas.
• Draft SOPs for equipment and processes.
• Operate and maintain ICP-OES/ICP-MS and XRD instrumentation to quantify metals and minerals.
• Develop analytical methods for new matrices and prototype materials.
• Validate calibration standards and CRM materials.
• Report results in LIMS and communicate with the coordination team.
• Support internal audits and root-cause investigations.

Skills

ICP-OES/ICP-MS

XRD

Quality control

Analytical chemistry

Data interpretation

Leadership

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science

Tools

ICP-OES/ICP-MS

Atomic Absorption

XRD

UV-Vis

XRF

Mastersizer

Job description

Lab Technician

We are seeking an experienced analytical laboratory professional to support advanced testing activities within a quality-driven production environment. This role will serve as a technical resource for laboratory operations, utilizing sophisticated instrumentation to generate actionable data, troubleshoot processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong analytical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills to help maintain the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing programs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all work areas as a top priority.
• Support the drafting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment and processes.
• Actively participate in safety meetings and in identifying workplace hazards.
• Operate and maintain ICP-OES/ICP-MS equipment for the quantitative determination of metals in solutions, leachates, and process materials.
• Operate X-ray diffraction (XRD) equipment for the identification and quantification of mineralogical and crystalline phases.
• Support complementary analyses using XRF, Mastersizer, or other techniques as needed by the laboratory.
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for new process matrices or prototype materials.
• Prepare and verify calibration standards, calibration curves, and certified reference materials.
• Perform calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation, coordinating with the Laboratory Coordinator or ICP Specialist as needed.
• Interpret, validate, and report analytical results in the laboratory management system (LIMS), communicating findings to the laboratory coordination team.
• Support root cause investigations and nonconformance analysis through detailed analytical characterization.
• Provide technical oversight of Technician B in sample and solution preparation, ensuring traceability and data integrity.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, analysis turnaround, and instrument reliability.
• Support external audits (e.g., ISO 9001 or other site-applicable standards) as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1-2+ years of experience operating ICP-OES/ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, and XRD, or UV VIS.
• Prior experience in a quality control laboratory.
• Practical experience with sample digestion techniques (acid digestion, microwave digestion, etc.) for inorganic analysis.
• Experience with trace metals analysis, calibration curve preparation, and certified reference materials (CRMs).
• Solid understanding of statistics as applied to quality control and method validation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide technical leadership.
• High attention to detail, commitment to data integrity, and the ability to work independently under pressure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in quality control, chemistry, wet chemistry, titration, and analytical chemistry.
• Familiarity with GMP and quality assurance standards.

Work Environment: The position operates on a day shift from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with some Saturdays as needed. Training will take place in Noblesville until the Marion facility, which is currently being built, is completed. The Marion site will feature a new lab with state-of-the-art facilities, including clean rooms and a 300,000 square foot space.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Marion, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/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)

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Marion, IN.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

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.