Plant Research Lab Technician – DNA Sampling

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/long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Assistant to support plant research in a climate-controlled facility. Responsibilities include collecting samples from soybean and wheat, preparing materials for DNA analysis, and maintaining strict adherence to protocols in a safe lab and greenhouse setting.

You will handle plant material with care, operate tweezers and lab instruments, and ensure data integrity while meeting daily performance targets.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Science experience through education and/or experience.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to meet established metrics for task performance.
• Experience working in a lab, greenhouse, or seed chipping environment.
• Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks with fine motor control (gripping, squeezing, etc.).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical work.
• Willingness to work weekends and company holidays.
• Comfort working in warm growth chamber environments (~80–85°F).

Responsibilities

• Collect plant samples for DNA analysis following SOPs.
• Handle plant material to maintain DNA integrity.
• Use tweezers and lab tools for seed chipping and sample prep.
• Maintain facility cleanliness and safety compliance.
• Follow safety procedures in growth chambers and labs.
• Support plant care and sample preparation for research.
• Meet performance metrics for task completion and accuracy.
• Document work according to established protocols.
• Perform physical tasks including repetitive motions and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Work weekends on a rotating basis and adapt to workload.

Skills

High attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Weekend availability

Team player

Warm environment tolerance

Education

Associate’s Degree or higher in science (preferred)

Tools

Tweezers

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Lab Assistant to support plant research in a climate-controlled facility. Responsibilities include collecting samples from soybean and wheat, preparing materials for DNA analysis, and maintaining strict adherence to protocols in a safe lab and greenhouse setting.

You will handle plant material with care, operate tweezers and lab instruments, and ensure data integrity while meeting daily performance targets.