R&D Lab Technician

Actalent; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Columbus, OH is seeking an R&D Lab Technician to prepare and test formulations and wet samples of paints and coatings, evaluate properties, and apply standard testing procedures with accuracy.

The role is onsite, Monday–Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, within an industrial lab environment with about 20 R&D staff. You will maintain documentation, report results, and support sales, marketing, and supply chain through data-driven presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Materials, preferably Chemistry.
• Wet chemistry lab experience allowed if degreed-free.
• Follow SOPs and safety policies rigorously.
• Proficient with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Make and test formulations from developed SOPs; analyze the resulting data to form conclusions.
• Maintain project documentation consistent with best practices; communicate and report test results to lab personnel.
• Work within established timelines with minimal reminders.
• Present project data to stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner.
• Represent R&D and collaborate with cross-functional groups including quality control and pilot plants.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Provide direct support to sales, marketing, and supply chain through reports, presentations, and guidance.

Skills

Wet chemistry

Safety compliance

Attention to detail

SOP adherence

Interpersonal communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science or Materials (Chemistry preferred)

1 year wet chemistry lab experience

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

R&D Lab Technician

We are seeking a dedicated R&D Lab Technician to join our team. This role involves preparing and testing various formulas and wet samples of paint and coatings, evaluating their properties, and performing standard testing procedures with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

The working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Responsibilities

• Make and test formulations from developed SOPs; analyze the resulting data to form conclusions.

• Maintain project documentation consistent with best practices; communicate and report test results to lab personnel.

• Work within established timelines with minimal reminders.

• Present project data to stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner.

• Represent R&D and work effectively with cross-functional groups including but not limited to quality control and pilot plants.

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

• Provide direct support to sales, marketing, and supply chain efforts through reports, presentations, and guidance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Materials, ideally Chemistry, or at least one year of wet chemistry lab experience if non-degreed.

• Conform with all site and laboratory safety requirements and policies, including participation in safety programs.

• Pragmatic, proactive, quick learner, self-motivated.

• Learn and understand customer application methods to replicate customer line conditions.

• Effective interpersonal skills, keeping direct manager and team members informed of progress.

• Able to work at least at a basic level in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with wet chemistry, titration, and pH measurement.

Work Environment

This position is based in an industrial lab environment within the plant, with a total of 20 R&D lab technicians. The facility has strong smells of paints; therefore, candidates should not be sensitive to such odors. The working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 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.