Lab Technician

Actalent; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for Drug Discovery (Wet Chemistry) in Woburn, MA. The role provides hands-on start-up lab training and exposure to multiple chemistry techniques in a 100% onsite setting.

You will assist chemists with experiments, sample prep, reagent mixing, and data entry, while following safety procedures and SOPs. The position is contract-based and located in Woburn, MA.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory setting (0+ years acceptable).
• Basic knowledge of chemistry principles and wet lab practices.
• Accurate pipetting and handling of liquid samples.
• Follow protocols for sample and reagent preparation.
• Familiarity with common lab equipment and materials.
• Strong data entry and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to follow SOPs and safety guidelines.
• Good organizational skills and multi-tasking in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Assist chemists with wet chemistry experiments supporting drug discovery.
• Prepare samples for testing following established protocols.
• Measure, mix and prepare reagents and solutions as required.
• Perform pipetting and routine lab techniques with accuracy.
• Operate basic lab instruments under guidance (incl. HPLC).
• Maintain and organize documentation and records.
• Enter experimental data into systems accurately and timely.
• Adhere to safety procedures and SOPs at all times.
• Keep a clean, organized lab work area.
• Collaborate with chemists and lab staff for smooth experiments.

Skills

Lab experience

Pipetting

Reagent preparation

Data entry

Safety procedures

Attention to detail

HPLC familiarity

Lab instrumentation

Tools

HPLC

Analytical instruments

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant Drug Discovery (Wet Chemistry)Job Description

This role supports drug discovery activities in a wet chemistry laboratory by assisting chemists with experiments, sample preparation, reagent mixing, and documentation. The position offers hands-on training in a start-up lab environment and exposure to a variety of chemistry techniques and analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist chemists in running a variety of wet chemistry experiments that support drug discovery projects.
• Prepare samples accurately for testing and analysis, following established laboratory protocols.
• Measure, mix, and prepare reagents and solutions in accordance with experimental requirements.
• Perform pipetting and other routine laboratory techniques with precision and attention to detail.
• Operate and assist with basic procedures involving laboratory instruments, including HPLC, under guidance.
• Support the creation, organization, and maintenance of laboratory documentation and records.
• Enter experimental data into laboratory systems or spreadsheets in an accurate and timely manner.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures, good laboratory practices, and standard operating procedures at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked laboratory work area.
• Collaborate with chemists and other lab staff to ensure experiments run smoothly and on schedule.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a laboratory setting; open to candidates with 0 years of professional experience.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry principles and wet laboratory practices.
• Ability to perform accurate pipetting and handle liquid samples with care.
• Competence in sample preparation and reagent preparation following written protocols.
• Familiarity with laboratory environments, including handling common lab equipment and materials.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Ability to follow instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a lab setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in drug discovery and learning advanced chemistry techniques.
• Exposure to or willingness to learn HPLC and other analytical instrumentation.
• Comfort working with data entry tools, spreadsheets, or basic laboratory information systems.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with chemists and other team members.
• Motivation to work in a fast-paced start-up laboratory environment and adapt to evolving processes.

Work Environment

The role is based 100% onsite on first shift in a wet chemistry laboratory located in Woburn, MA. The environment is a start-up lab setting that provides full hands‑on training in various chemistry techniques and laboratory methods. Work is performed in a typical laboratory space with standard lab equipment and instrumentation, including tools for sample preparation, pipetting, and HPLC. The position involves working at the bench for extended periods, following safety protocols, and wearing appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment as required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Woburn, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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.

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 Woburn,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.