Lab Technician

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician in Elmwood Park, NJ, to conduct analytical testing of food samples ensuring safety and quality compliance. This contract position involves performing both routine and non-routine tests by following strict laboratory procedures.

The ideal candidate should possess a food science degree or relevant experience, with strong skills in documentation, HACCP, and laboratory safety protocols. Competitive hourly pay and benefits are offered for this fully onsite position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in performing analytical tests using lab equipment.
• Hands-on experience with HACCP in a laboratory setting.
• Strong documentation skills with maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine tests on food samples.
• Carry out microbiological analyses to ensure product safety.
• Maintain accurate records of all test results.

Skills

Analytical testing

Microbiological safety

Quality assurance

Documentation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Food science degree

Related scientific discipline

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Standard analytical equipment

Job description

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

This role performs routine and non‑routine analytical testing on food samples to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with established standards. The lab technician conducts chemical and microbiological analyses, maintains accurate documentation in line with GMP, SOP, and HACCP requirements, and supports quality assurance activities within a food industry environment. The position contributes to continuous improvement of testing methods and laboratory workflows while strictly adhering to safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non‑routine analytical tests on samples using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety.
• Carry out microbiological analyses on food ingredients and products to support product safety and compliance with quality standards.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all test results and laboratory activities in accordance with GMP, SOPs, and HACCP requirements.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, quality assurance protocols, and quality control methods to ensure reliable and reproducible test results.
• Support cross‑functional investigations by providing analytical data, documentation, and technical insight as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, documentation practices, and laboratory workflows.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is used correctly, handled safely, calibrated as required, and maintained in good working condition.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while working in the laboratory.
• Collaborate with quality assurance and other teams to support testing of food ingredients for QA purposes.
• Document and communicate test findings clearly to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated ability to perform routine and non‑routine analytical tests using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety.
• Experience in quality assurance or quality control within the food industry, or a food science degree (open to recent graduates).
• Hands‑on experience with HACCP and the ability to work in accordance with HACCP requirements.
• Skills in testing food ingredients for quality assurance purposes.
• Foundational knowledge of chemistry and microbiology as applied in a laboratory setting.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to maintain accurate, complete, and timely records in line with GMP and SOPs.
• Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and quality assurance protocols.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical mindset for interpreting test results.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment and handle chemical and microbiological materials safely.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Food science degree or related scientific discipline, particularly suited to recent graduates seeking a laboratory‑based role.
• Prior quality assurance experience in the food industry.
• SQF experience or familiarity with SQF standards, preferred.
• Experience with microbiological testing methods for food products and ingredients.
• Bilingual communication skills, which can support collaboration and documentation.
• General chemistry laboratory experience, including safe handling of chemicals and use of standard lab equipment.
• Experience working under formal quality systems such as GMP, SOPs, and HACCP.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tests and documentation requirements concurrently.

Work Environment

This position operates in a laboratory environment within the food industry, working primarily with chemical and microbiological testing of food ingredients and products. The role is scheduled on a second shift, Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The lab uses standard analytical equipment for measuring pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety, and follows structured quality systems such as GMP, SOPs, HACCP, and potentially SQF. Team members adhere to strict safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while handling samples, reagents, and equipment. The work environment emphasizes precision, cleanliness, and compliance with established laboratory and quality assurance procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $20.00/hr.

Benefits may include:

• 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 Elmwood Park, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.