Lab Technician

Actalent; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

HSA

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician in Omaha, NE for rapid microbiology testing of meat samples, including PCR, ATP, and immunoassay methods. You will label, process, and document data per SOPs and regulatory guidelines, while maintaining aseptic techniques and a safe lab environment.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to operate and maintain instruments, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support timely product release and quality checks.

Qualifications

• Hands-on microbiology techniques and routine lab testing.
• Ability to perform rapid microbiological methods (PCR, ATP, immunoassays).
• Strong attention to detail for accurate sample labeling and documentation.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, biosafety, GMP/HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Perform rapid microbiological testing on meat samples (PCR, ATP, immunoassay).
• Receive, label, and process samples per SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain lab instruments.
• Document test results and QC data in LIMS.
• Maintain aseptic techniques and sanitation to prevent cross-contamination.
• Communicate results to supervisors and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure GMP/HACCP compliance and safe lab environment.
• Assist with quality checks and process improvements.
• Collaborate with team to troubleshoot testing issues.

Skills

Microbiology

PCR

ATP testing

Immunoassays

LIMS documentation

Aseptic techniques

GMP/HACCP

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Science degree (Associate/Bachelor)

1+ year lab experience

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Lab Technician

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Perform rapid microbiological testing such as PCR, ATP, and immunoassay-based methods on raw and processed meat samples to detect pathogens and indicator organisms.

• Receive, label, and process meat samples according to validated methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and applicable regulatory requirements, including USDA/FSIS, FDA, and ISO guidelines.

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and testing equipment used for rapid microbiology analysis to ensure accurate and reliable results.

• Accurately document test results, quality control data, and any deviations in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other laboratory records.

• Follow strict aseptic techniques, biosafety protocols, and sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure sample integrity.

• Communicate test results clearly and promptly to supervisors and cross-functional teams to support timely product release and decision-making.

• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory workspace and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and laboratory safety standards.

• Participate in routine quality checks, equipment verifications, and process improvements to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency.

• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot testing issues, share best practices, and support continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with microbiology or biology laboratory techniques, including pipetting and routine lab testing.

• Ability to perform rapid microbiological methods such as PCR, ATP, and immunoassay-based testing.

• Strong attention to detail for accurate sample labeling, handling, and documentation.

• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, biosafety practices, and sanitation procedures in a laboratory setting.

• Ability to operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and testing equipment.

• Competence in documenting test results and quality control data in LIMS or laboratory records.

• Understanding of or ability to follow regulatory requirements such as USDA/FSIS, FDA, and ISO for laboratory testing.

• Knowledge of or ability to comply with GMP, HACCP, and laboratory safety standards.

• Effective communication skills to clearly convey results and issues to supervisors and cross-functional teams.

• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in a science-related field is preferred.

• If no degree, at least 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience is required.

• Background in biology, microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Experience working in a food, meat, or related industry laboratory environment is beneficial.

• Comfort working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar digital record systems.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, close-knit team and contribute to a supportive, fun culture.

• Interest in contributing to a growing facility that is bringing in new business and impacting the industry in the region.

Work Environment

The position is based in a new, very clean laboratory equipped with modern, state-of-the-art instruments for rapid microbiology testing. The initial shift runs Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with a first-shift schedule of Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The team is small, close, and highly collaborative, with a fun, supportive culture where colleagues help each other regularly. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and adherence to GMP, HACCP, and laboratory safety standards while providing the opportunity to work with new equipment in a growing facility that is expanding its impact in the Midwest.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50/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 Omaha,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 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.