Lab Technician

Actalent; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician in New Orleans, LA for a contract-to-hire role in a production laboratory. You will perform specialized analytical testing, prepare samples for IC and LC analyses, and operate laboratory instruments while ensuring accurate results.

The position emphasizes cross-training, professional growth, and adherence to safety and quality guidelines. Typical schedule is onsite in New Orleans with training and day shifts.

Qualifications

• Education in a life science discipline; Chemistry preferred.
• Research or additional laboratory experience is an asset.
• Part-time laboratory experience during studies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform special analysis and routine chemical analytical testing in a production laboratory environment.
• Prepare samples for IC and LC analyses following established methods.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain laboratory instruments to ensure accurate results.
• Document testing activities and report results clearly and accurately in lab records and systems.
• Utilize LIMS for sample tracking and data entry; adhere to QC procedures.

Skills

Lab testing

Spectrophotometry

IC/LC prep

LIMS experience

Data recording

Quality control

Communication

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Life science education

Chemistry preferred

Tools

LIMS

Spectrophotometer

Titration equipment

Ion chromatography equipment

Job description

Job Title

Lab Technician

Job Description

This Lab Technician role focuses on special analytical testing in a fast-paced production laboratory environment. You will prepare samples and perform routine bench testing using a variety of analytical techniques, support IC and LC analyses, and operate laboratory instruments while accurately reporting results. The position offers cross-training across multiple groups and the opportunity to grow into a high-level scientist or technologist through exposure to new instrumentation and methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform special analysis and routine chemical analytical testing in a production laboratory environment.
• Prepare samples for testing, including work related to spectrophotometry, conductivity, fluoride analysis by ion-selective electrode (ISE), and automated titrations.
• Prepare samples for ion chromatography (IC) and liquid chromatography (LC) analysis following established methods and procedures.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Conduct routine bench testing and record results with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Report test results in a timely and clear manner, ensuring proper documentation and communication in laboratory records and systems.
• Utilize laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for sample tracking, data entry, and documentation of analytical results.
• Follow quality control procedures, including monitoring laboratory control samples (LCS), and address rechecks or send backs to maintain data integrity.
• Meet established turnaround time (TAT) expectations by organizing workload and prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Document all testing activities thoroughly and accurately, ensuring that methods, observations, and results are clearly communicated.
• Participate in cross-training across various laboratory groups to become a versatile contributor and a jack-of-all-trades within the special analysis team.
• Apply sound decision-making skills and independent problem-solving to resolve routine technical issues and elevate complex problems when needed.
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to a positive, respectful, and professional laboratory culture.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while performing daily tasks.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by suggesting process enhancements and maintaining high standards of laboratory practice.

Essential Skills

• Experience or strong interest in working in a production laboratory environment with routine analytical testing.
• Knowledge of sample preparation techniques for chemical analysis.
• Ability to perform bench testing using spectrophotometry, conductivity measurements, fluoride analysis by ion-selective electrode (ISE), and automated titrations.
• Familiarity with preparing samples for ion chromatography (IC) and liquid chromatography (LC) analysis.
• Comfort with operating and learning new laboratory instruments and analytical methods.
• Experience using or willingness to learn laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for data entry and sample tracking.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a dynamic team.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet turnaround time expectations.
• Solid analytical skills for interpreting test results and ensuring data quality.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for documenting and reporting laboratory findings.
• Responsive, independent problem-solving abilities and an action-oriented approach to daily work.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a laboratory setting and follow established procedures.
• Demonstrated respectfulness and professional attitude in interactions with colleagues.
• Capacity to maintain accurate documentation and uphold quality control standards, including LCS performance and rechecks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education in a life science discipline, with Chemistry preferred.
• Research or additional laboratory experience is preferred.
• Part-time laboratory or related technical experience during academic studies is considered an asset.
• Experience in chemical analytical testing, including general chemical analysis techniques.
• Experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), accredited laboratory technician, veterinary technician, medical laboratory professional, or petrochemical laboratory technician is acceptable.
• Interest in developing into a high-level scientist or technologist through hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Ability to adapt to new instrumentation and methods and embrace continuous learning.

Work Environment

The role is based in a special analysis group within a production laboratory, where you will operate as a jack‑of‑all‑trades supporting diverse analytical needs. You will work closely with a small team consisting of a lead, an analyst, and technicians, in a setting that values collaboration, respect, and professional growth. Training typically spans approximately 3 months to reach independent performance, with specific methods requiring about 4–6 weeks to master. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, initially 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during training, followed by an 8-hour shift. After training, typical shifts in this group are earlier in the day, such as 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. The environment emphasis on exposure to new instrumentation and analytical methods, providing opportunities to develop advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of laboratory operatio

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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 NEW ORLEANS,LA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.