Part Time Quality Lab Technician

Actalent; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Actalent in Columbus, OH seeks a part-time Food Analysis Quality Technician to perform physical evaluations and routine testing on finished food products, documenting results in LIMS and ensuring sample integrity. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

The position is contract-to-hire with an onsite laboratory setting, offering collaborative teamwork and adherence to safety and quality procedures.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Basic computer skills and data entry in LIMS.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and handle samples safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical evaluations of finished food products, assessing appearance, consistency, and defects.
• Conduct routine analytical testing including water activity, moisture, pH, viscosity.
• Receive, log, label, and prepare samples for testing with traceability.
• Enter and verify testing results in LIMS with accuracy.
• Maintain complete documentation and follow lab procedures.
• Support quality initiatives and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety and testing procedures.
• Assist with sample storage, shipment, and disposal per guidelines.
• Communicate testing concerns to leadership promptly.
• Handle multiple samples and tasks while meeting turnaround times.

Skills

High school diploma

LIMS data entry

Attention to detail

Heavy lifting

Education

Associate degree in Food Science

Job description

Food Analysis Quality Technician

Job Description

The Food Analysis Technician (Physical Technician) performs physical quality evaluations and basic analytical testing on finished food products to ensure they meet defined specifications and quality standards. This role supports the Finished Goods Department by inspecting products for appearance, consistency, and defects, conducting routine laboratory tests, accurately documenting results in LIMS, and maintaining sample integrity throughout the testing process. The position requires strong attention to detail, reliable data entry skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while meeting required turnaround times.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical evaluations of finished food products, assessing appearance, consistency, and defects to confirm adherence to quality standards.
• Conduct routine analytical testing on food products, including water activity, moisture, pH, viscosity, and related quality assessments.
• Receive, log, label, and prepare samples for testing, ensuring proper handling and traceability throughout the process.
• Enter, review, and verify testing results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with a high level of accuracy.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation and strictly follow established laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Support quality and continuous improvement initiatives by following best practices and contributing to process enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality, safety, and testing procedures at all times.
• Assist with sample storage, shipment preparation, and disposal in accordance with laboratory guidelines.
• Communicate testing concerns, anomalies, or out-of-specification results promptly to leadership or designated quality contacts.
• Work efficiently while handling multiple samples and tasks, maintaining attention to detail and meeting turnaround times.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic computer skills and comfort with data entry in systems such as LIMS.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills when handling samples and documentation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine sample handling and laboratory activities.
• Reliable transportation and schedule flexibility to meet part-time scheduling needs.
• Ability to follow established procedures and laboratory protocols consistently.
• Comfort performing quality inspection, quality control, and quality checks on finished food products.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in fast food, restaurant, food service, grocery, food production, or other customer-facing food environments.
• Associate degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Exposure to laboratory, QA/QC, manufacturing, or food testing environments.
• Familiarity with basic food quality concepts, testing procedures, and laboratory documentation practices.
• Interest in transitioning from food service, restaurant, grocery, or manufacturing work into a laboratory-focused role.
• Ability to manage multiple samples and tasks while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Work Environment This is a part-time, contract-to-hire opportunity with an expected schedule of approximately 1829 hours per week. The preferred schedule is Monday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons to complement an existing part-time team member, with some flexibility based on business needs. Upon conversion to a permanent role, the position is expected to remain around 29 hours per week, with potential for future expansion to full-time hours if business requirements support it. Work is performed in a laboratory environment that focuses on finished food products, using standard testing equipment and data entry systems such as LIMS. The setting is fast-paced and team-oriented, with an emphasis on safety, quality procedures, and accurate documentation while handling and testing multiple samples.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Columbus, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 7, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

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.