Lab Technician

Actalent; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician in Tampa, FL to support day-to-day laboratory operations, preparing, testing, and analyzing petroleum and fertilizer samples while maintaining quality and safety standards. The role offers an opportunity to grow in a fast-paced lab environment, with independence in daily tasks and teamwork when required.

The position emphasizes attention to detail, learning new testing methods, and applying training to improve accuracy and productivity.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience gained through work, internships, or relevant coursework.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology principles applicable to laboratory testing.
• Experience or familiarity with quality control and quality assurance practices in a lab setting.
• Exposure to microbiology techniques and analytical chemistry methods.
• Ability to perform accurate data entry and maintain organized records of test results.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and productivity.
• Ability to multitask and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Capability to work approximately 80% of the time independently while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Willingness and ability to learn new testing methods quickly and adapt to the role.
• Eagerness to take initiative and grow professionally within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare petroleum and fertilizer samples for testing according to established laboratory procedures and safety guidelines.
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory tests on samples, following documented methods and protocols.
• Analyze test results accurately and record data in laboratory systems and logs in a timely and organized manner.
• Support quality control and quality assurance processes to ensure test results are reliable and meet required standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including instruments used for analytical chemistry and microbiology testing.
• Assist with testing that may involve HPLC and other analytical chemistry techniques as needed.
• Ensure all samples are handled, labeled, and stored correctly to maintain traceability and integrity.
• Manage multiple testing assignments simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities based on sample volume and urgency.
• Work independently for the majority of daily tasks while collaborating effectively with the team when required.
• Follow laboratory safety practices and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Learn new testing methods quickly and apply training to daily work to improve accuracy and productivity.
• Take initiative to identify issues in testing or data and communicate them promptly to the appropriate team members.

Skills

Lab experience

Chemistry basics

Quality control

Microbiology techniques

Data entry

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Independence

Learning new methods

Professional growth

Tools

HPLC

Analytical instruments

Job description

Job Title: Lab Technician

The Lab Technician supports day-to-day laboratory operations by preparing, testing, and analyzing petroleum and fertilizer samples while ensuring all work meets established quality and safety standards. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and a willingness to learn and apply a variety of testing methods. It is well suited for candidates with some laboratory experience gained through work, internships, or coursework who are eager to develop their skills in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare petroleum and fertilizer samples for testing according to established laboratory procedures and safety guidelines.
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory tests on samples, following documented methods and protocols.
• Analyze test results accurately and record data in laboratory systems and logs in a timely and organized manner.
• Support quality control and quality assurance processes to ensure test results are reliable and meet required standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including instruments used for analytical chemistry and microbiology testing.
• Assist with testing that may involve HPLC and other analytical chemistry techniques as needed.
• Ensure all samples are handled, labeled, and stored correctly to maintain traceability and integrity.
• Manage multiple testing assignments simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities based on sample volume and urgency.
• Work independently for the majority of daily tasks while collaborating effectively with the team when required.
• Follow laboratory safety practices and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Learn new testing methods quickly and apply training to daily work to improve accuracy and productivity.
• Take initiative to identify issues in testing or data and communicate them promptly to the appropriate team members.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on laboratory experience gained through work, internships, or relevant coursework.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology principles applicable to laboratory testing.
• Experience or familiarity with quality control and quality assurance practices in a lab setting.
• Exposure to microbiology techniques and analytical chemistry methods.
• Ability to perform accurate data entry and maintain organized records of test results.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and productivity.
• Ability to multitask and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Capability to work approximately 80% of the time independently while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Willingness and ability to learn new testing methods quickly and adapt to the role.
• Eagerness to take initiative and grow professionally within the organization.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Open to entry-level candidates and recent graduates with some hands-on laboratory experience.
• Background or coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or related scientific disciplines.
• Interest in working with petroleum and fertilizer samples and learning industry-specific testing standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle fluctuating workloads.
• Comfort using laboratory instruments such as HPLC and other analytical equipment, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a structured laboratory environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced laboratory environment focused on testing petroleum and fertilizer samples. The standard schedule is a five-day work week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional weekend coverage as needed. Overtime may be required depending on workload and sample volume. While there are established working hours, employees are expected to be flexible; for example, if a shipment of samples arrives later in the day, the team may need to stay until testing and processing are completed. Work is approximately 80% independent, with access to laboratory instruments and equipment used for analytical chemistry and microbiology testing, including HPLC. The environment emphasizes safety, accuracy, and productivity, with a culture that supports training, continuous learning, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $25.00/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 to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tampa,FL.

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.