Laboratory Specialist - Extractions

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

PTO

Health Spending Account

Transit benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Leave benefits

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Laboratory Group Leader for Molecular Biology and Extractions in a high‑throughput academic/clinical setting. You will oversee DNA/RNA extraction, perform assays, and train technicians and students, with emphasis on quality control, data integrity, and safety.

You will manage sample processing, store and retrieve materials in –80°C freezers, and work with robotic systems to support genetic studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred.
• Laboratory training in high‑complexity testing required or 3 month training period willingness.
• Academic lab experience and hands‑on pipetting skills.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and electrophoresis preferred.
• Proven ability to maintain data integrity and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead group of technicians and students in a large university lab and teaching program.
• Provide professional laboratory support applying scientific methods and clinical techniques.
• Oversee multistage purifications and nucleic acid extractions; conduct molecular assays.
• Process blood, tissues, and cell cultures for genetic and clinical studies.
• Log records, manage sample storage in –80°C freezers, and distribute samples.
• Perform QC/QA checks and troubleshoot instruments; maintain safety compliance.
• Author progress reports and assist with manuscripts; coordinate with investigators.

Skills

Molecular biology

Nucleic acid extraction

PCR techniques

Cell culture

Robotic systems

Quality control

Data entry

Biobanking

Laboratory safety

Pipetting skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Additional science coursework or degree preferred

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR instruments

Electrophoresis

Automated pipetting systems

–80°C freezers

MS Office / Excel

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Group Leader – Molecular Biology and Extractions

Job Description

This role serves as a laboratory group leader and instructor in a high-throughput academic and clinical research setting, providing professional‑level technical support in molecular biology, nucleic acid extraction, and biobanking. The position oversees multistage purifications, DNA and RNA extractions, and a variety of assays and tests, while training and guiding laboratory technicians, assistants, and students. The role supports genetic and clinical studies by preparing, processing, storing, and distributing biological samples and maintaining rigorous quality control and data integrity. The position contributes directly to critical testing initiatives, including work in a leading testing facility that achieved FDA approval for saliva testing during the pandemic.

Responsibilities

• Function as the group leader and instructor for laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students in a large university laboratory and teaching program.
• Provide professional‑level laboratory technical support involving the application of scientific research and clinical methods and techniques.
• Perform and oversee multistage purifications, nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extractions, and other molecular biology assays and tests.
• Process whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures for use in genetic and clinical studies.
• Propagate non‑animal specimens and cell cultures and prepare tissues, chemicals, and nucleic acids for testing.
• Perform basic molecular biology assays, including DNA and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, quality control measurements, PCR, and related techniques.
• Operate and work with several robotic systems for high‑throughput analysis.
• Log and enter computer records of sample identity data and sample processing data in electronic systems.
• Inventory, store, and track extracted samples in –80 °C freezer storage systems, ensuring accurate labeling and documentation.
• Retrieve and prepare stored samples for distribution to investigators and create computerized logs of all distributed samples.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance checks as samples are processed to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
• Investigate sample discrepancy problems, including performing Southern analysis and/or PCR to confirm sample identity or conducting pedigree analysis to confirm genetic relationships.
• Perform routine and advanced equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance of laboratory instruments.
• Prepare reagents and solutions according to established protocols and assist with maintaining laboratory supplies and materials.
• Cross‑train in cell culture activities to support broader laboratory operations.
• Order supplies and interface with service personnel for instrumentation, including signing off on service work performed.
• Contribute as an author to progress reports and manuscripts related to laboratory projects and studies.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms, such as a –80 °C freezer failure, by notifying the supervisor, developing and executing a relocation plan for freezer inventory, and initiating arrangements for equipment repair.
• Record and maintain data in both computerized and non‑computerized formats, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment in compliance with laboratory protocols and safety standards.
• Participate in required occupational health and safety programs and adhere to all laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, students, and investigators to coordinate laboratory activities and resolve issues.
• Work autonomously and under pressure while meeting timelines and maintaining high‑quality standards in testing and sample processing.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in a biological science strongly preferred.
• For Bachelor of Arts degrees, completion of at least 32 hours of science coursework, including 16 hours of chemistry, 16 hours of biology, and 3 hours of mathematics.
• Credential equivalency evaluation from a NACES or AICE member organization for degrees obtained outside of the United States.
• At least three months of documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high‑complexity testing, or willingness to complete a three‑month training period prior to sign‑off if this experience is not yet documented.
• Academic laboratory experience, including completion of biology‑related courses and laboratory classes.
• Hands‑on pipetting skills (manual or automated, single or multichannel) for accurate liquid handling.
• Experience with DNA and/or biochemical extraction, blood cell separation, tissue culture, preparation of laboratory reagents, and handling of biohazardous materials.
• Ability to perform DNA and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, and quality control measurements.
• Working knowledge of PCR techniques or strong interest and aptitude to learn PCR‑based methods.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with database systems for data entry and tracking.
• Ability to record and maintain data accurately in computerized and non‑computerized formats.
• Ability to operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment and troubleshoot basic instrument issues.
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds to manage supplies and freezer inventory.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with team members, students, and investigators.
• Commitment to participating in occupational health and safety programs and following laboratory safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology is preferred, though other science degrees are considered.
• Background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related biological sciences.
• Experience with PCR, including PCR DNA workflows, is a strong plus.
• Experience with handling a variety of biological samples in an academic or clinical laboratory setting.
• Experience with liquid handling systems and automated pipetting platforms.
• Exposure to high‑throughput laboratory environments and robotic systems.
• Experience in biobanking or bioprocessing, including sample storage and retrieval workflows.
• Familiarity with quality control and quality assurance practices in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to contribute to scientific progress reports and manuscripts as a co‑author.
• Strong organizational skills to manage sample inventories, documentation, and multiple concurrent tasks.
• Comfort working in a regulated testing environment and following established protocols and procedures.
• Motivation to contribute to public health initiatives, including work in testing programs that support responses to health crises.

Work Environment

The role is based in a biobanking and bioprocessing laboratory that supports both academic and clinical research activities. The laboratory processes whole blood, tissues, and cell cultures and conducts molecular biology and genetic testing using DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, and related assays. The environment includes the use of –80 °C freezers for long‑term sample storage, sophisticated laboratory instruments, and several robotic systems designed for high‑throughput analysis. Team members work with biohazardous materials and must follow strict safety and occupational health protocols. The position requires operating and maintaining advanced equipment, handling biological samples, and managing detailed electronic and paper‑based records. The typical schedule follows a second‑shift pattern from Thursday through Monday, 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., supporting continuous testing operations. The laboratory culture emphasizes accuracy, collaboration, and responsiveness, offering the opportunity to contribute to impactful testing programs, including those recognized for FDA‑approved saliva testing during the pandemic.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piscataway, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

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 Piscataway, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

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.