Lab Technician

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Actalent seeks a motivated Lab Technician in San Diego, CA to support automation-driven biology workflows. You will work with Hamilton and Tecan platforms, perform DNA extraction, and help maintain quality and safety standards in a fast-paced lab.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in Biology or related field, hands-on lab experience, and attention to detail. This contract role offers exposure to cutting-edge technology and opportunities for growth within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related scientific field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional employment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain laboratory automation and robotics platforms, including Hamilton and Tecan systems, as well as automated uncapping/recapping equipment.
• Process biological samples by aliquoting specimens from tubes into microplates with a high degree of accuracy.
• Perform DNA extraction using automated laboratory instrumentation and established protocols.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify workflow or instrumentation issues for appropriate escalation.
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to laboratory quality and safety standards.
• Support accessioning activities and cross-functional laboratory operations as needed.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Detail-oriented

SOP adherence

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Hamilton automation

Tecan automation

Job description

Lab Technician

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Lab Technician to join our growing laboratory team. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career scientists looking to gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory automation and robotics systems. In this role, you will contribute to critical laboratory operations, support sample processing workflows, and develop expertise in cutting-edge molecular and automation technologies. Shift options: Sunday-Thursday 6:30-3:00pm or Tuesday-Saturday 2:00pm-10:30pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain laboratory automation and robotics platforms, including Hamilton and Tecan systems, as well as automated uncapping/recapping equipment.
• Process biological samples by aliquoting specimens from tubes into microplates with a high degree of accuracy.
• Perform DNA extraction using automated laboratory instrumentation and established protocols.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify workflow or instrumentation issues for appropriate escalation.
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to laboratory quality and safety standards.
• Support accessioning activities and cross-functional laboratory operations as needed.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional employment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with laboratory automation, robotics platforms, or high-throughput workflows.
• Familiarity with DNA extraction techniques and molecular biology laboratory practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify process improvements and communicate operational concerns effectively.

Growth & Development Opportunities

This role offers extensive opportunities for professional growth through cross-training and exposure to advanced laboratory technologies. High-performing team members may have opportunities to expand into areas such as accessioning, genotyping, and other specialized laboratory functions based on business needs and performance.

Work Environment

• Modern laboratory environment utilizing advanced automation and robotics systems.
• Collaborative team setting focused on quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Fast-paced workflow requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation and develop valuable technical expertise.

Why Apply?

• Gain experience with industry-leading laboratory automation technologies.
• Develop highly sought-after molecular biology and laboratory operations skills.
• Join a supportive team committed to training, mentorship, and career growth.
• Build a strong foundation for a long-term career in biotechnology, diagnostics, or life sciences.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

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.