Lab Technician

Actalent; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life)

Short and long-term disability

HSA health spending account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave

Fully onsite in Lenexa

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician in Lenexa, KS to process canine blood specimens for cancer research in a regulated lab. The role involves receiving samples, aseptic processing, and detailed documentation, with daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

hours and occasional weekend checks. You will work as part of a small team and also complete independent tasks. The position emphasizes adherence to safety, quality controls, and SOPs, while contributing to ongoing efforts to improve laboratory operations

Qualifications

• 1 year of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting performing quality control activities.
• 1 year of experience using aseptic technique in a lab environment.
• 1 year of experience with aseptic processing procedures.
• 1 year of experience with accurate and consistent pipetting for sample and reagent handling.
• Ability to perform multi-hour specimen processing workflows, including work under a hood.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping.
• Comfort working with canine blood specimens in a lab environment.
• Open to different formal degree requirements; competency via experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming specimen packages from carriers and document canine blood samples.
• Perform 4–5 hours of laboratory processing per sample under aseptic conditions.
• Document all steps and quality control data for each sample.
• Label, organize materials, and prepare reagents and equipment between steps.
• Load samples onto plates and labware per SOPs.
• Sterilize and maintain lab equipment and work areas.
• Apply quality control methods to maintain data integrity.
• Use precise pipetting for sample handling and reagent addition.
• Support aseptic processing and techniques to prevent contamination.
• Collaborate with team and lab supervisor; work independently as needed.
• Assist with collection and handling of samples in the lab.
• Occasionally perform weekend sample checks as per protocol.
• Follow safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Lab QC experience

Aseptic technique

Aseptic processing

Pipetting accuracy

Documentation accuracy

Canine blood handling

Team collaboration & independence

Adaptability to procedures

Job description

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on processing canine blood specimens to support research and development work aimed at advancing treatments for cancer in dogs. The Lab Technician receives and prepares samples, performs aseptic lab work, and documents all procedures in a regulated laboratory environment. The position operates on a Monday through Friday day shift, working closely with a small team while also performing independent tasks.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming specimen packages from carriers such as FedEx or UPS and ensure proper intake and documentation of canine blood samples.
• Perform four to five hours of laboratory processing per sample using aseptic techniques, including work under the hood and other sterile procedures.
• Conduct an additional hour of detailed documentation for each sample, recording all steps, observations, and quality control data accurately.
• Carry out preparatory activities between processing steps, such as labeling, organizing materials, and preparing reagents and equipment.
• Load samples onto plates and other labware according to established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Sterilize and maintain lab equipment, tools, and work areas to ensure a consistently clean and safe environment.
• Apply quality control methods throughout the processing workflow to maintain data integrity and sample reliability.
• Use precise pipetting techniques for sample handling, reagent addition, and plate preparation.
• Support aseptic processing and aseptic technique in all relevant procedures to prevent contamination of samples and cultures.
• Collaborate with a team of lab technicians and the broader lab staff, sharing information and coordinating workload while also working independently on assigned tasks.
• Assist with collection and handling of samples within the lab environment as needed.
• Perform occasional weekend sample checks once or twice a month, following established protocols and reporting any issues.
• Follow all laboratory safety guidelines, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements related to animal health and laboratory work.
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to improve processes, efficiency, and reliability of lab operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of hands‑on experience in a laboratory setting performing quality control activities.
• At least 1 year of experience using aseptic technique in a lab environment.
• At least 1 year of experience with aseptic processing procedures.
• At least 1 year of experience with accurate and consistent pipetting for sample and reagent handling.
• Ability to perform multi‑hour specimen processing workflows, including work under a hood.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record‑keeping.
• Capability to work both collaboratively with a small team and independently on assigned tasks.
• Comfort working with animal (canine) blood specimens in a lab environment.
• Openness regarding formal degree requirements; able to demonstrate competency through experience.
• Reliability in following established protocols, safety standards, and quality control measures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with USDA animal health processes or regulations is a plus.
• Background in animal health or related fields is beneficial.
• Cell culture experience, particularly with T‑cell culture, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with lab environments focused on veterinary or animal health research is an advantage.
• Interest in contributing to research aimed at curing cancer in dogs.
• Ability to adapt to evolving procedures and research needs within the laboratory.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment focused on processing canine blood samples and supporting animal health research. The Lab Technician works as part of a team of approximately three to four other lab technicians and collaborates with a lab supervisor, while also handling independent tasks. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a day shift, with the expectation of performing occasional weekend sample checks once or twice a month. Work primarily takes place at the lab bench and under the hood, using standard laboratory equipment for aseptic processing, pipetting, plate loading, and sterilization. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to protocols, with a culture centered on scientific rigor and a shared mission to advance treatments for cancer in dogs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lenexa, KS.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

• 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 Lenexa,KS.
• Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.