Plant Lab Technician – DNA Sample Prep (Growth Chamber)

Actalent; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Johnston, IA is seeking a Lab Assistant to collect samples from soybean and wheat plants for DNA analysis in a climate-controlled growth chamber facility. This role requires strict adherence to SOPs, meticulous attention to detail, and safe, reliable performance to meet defined metrics.

You will handle plant material with tweezers, perform seed chipping tasks, maintain lab and greenhouse safety, and participate in weekend rotations and occasional holidays.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Science experience through education and/or experience.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and reliability.
• Experience in laboratory, greenhouse, or seed chipping environments.
• Willingness to lift up to 50 pounds and work weekends.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples of soybean and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis per SOPs.
• Handle plant material to ensure DNA analysis integrity.
• Use lab tools (e.g., tweezers) for repetitive tasks like seed chipping and sample prep.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in laboratory and greenhouse areas.
• Meet performance metrics for task completion, accuracy, and quality.
• Document work following established protocols.

Job description

Actalent in Johnston, IA is seeking a Lab Assistant to collect samples from soybean and wheat plants for DNA analysis in a climate-controlled growth chamber facility. This role requires strict adherence to SOPs, meticulous attention to detail, and safe, reliable performance to meet defined metrics.

You will handle plant material with tweezers, perform seed chipping tasks, maintain lab and greenhouse safety, and participate in weekend rotations and occasional holidays.