Sample Preparation Technician

Actalent; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sample Preparation Technician to prepare and process laboratory samples in a combined office and lab setting in Brea, CA. The role supports chemists and technicians, ensuring sample homogeneity and accurate labeling in a first-shift, onsite environment.

Responsibilities include labeling, milling, weighing, and safe handling of liquid nitrogen, with emphasis on data integrity and timely communication to the lab team.

Qualifications

• 0–6 months of experience in sample preparation or laboratory support roles.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in a related field or environment.
• Ability to perform sample preparation tasks such as labeling, transferring, milling, blending, weighing, and disposal of samples.
• Familiarity with laboratory settings and basic laboratory practices.
• Ability to safely handle and use liquid nitrogen following safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate labeling, weighing, and documentation of samples.
• Effective communication skills to share sample information and report discrepancies to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to respond professionally to internal customer inquiries and requests.
• Capability to follow instructions and standard operating procedures consistently.
• Non-degreed candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform a range of sample preparation tasks to ensure sample homogeneity, including labeling, transferring, milling, blending, weighing, and disposal of samples.
• Safely use liquid nitrogen as part of the sample preparation process, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Accurately label and track samples to maintain clear identification and traceability throughout the preparation workflow.
• Communicate sample information clearly and promptly to chemists, other sample preparation technicians, and relevant team members.
• Identify and communicate discrepancies in samples, documentation, or processes to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Handle internal customer inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner, providing accurate information related to samples and preparation status.
• Work cohesively with chemists, sample preparation technicians, and data entry staff to support smooth laboratory operations.
• Follow standard operating procedures and quality guidelines to maintain high standards of sample preparation and data integrity.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory and office functions.

Skills

Sample prep tasks

Attention to detail

Communication

Safety protocols

Liquid nitrogen handling

Team collaboration

Data entry

Reliability

Following SOPs

No degree required

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

Job Title: Sample Preparation Technician

Job Description: The Sample Preparation Technician prepares and processes laboratory samples to ensure consistency and homogeneity. This role involves handling a variety of sample preparation tasks, supporting internal customers with accurate information, and collaborating closely with laboratory staff in an office and lab environment. The technician plays a key role in maintaining sample integrity and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform a range of sample preparation tasks to ensure sample homogeneity, including labeling, transferring, milling, blending, weighing, and disposal of samples.
• Safely use liquid nitrogen as part of the sample preparation process, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Accurately label and track samples to maintain clear identification and traceability throughout the preparation workflow.
• Communicate sample information clearly and promptly to chemists, other sample preparation technicians, and relevant team members.
• Identify and communicate discrepancies in samples, documentation, or processes to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Handle internal customer inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner, providing accurate information related to samples and preparation status.
• Work cohesively with chemists, sample preparation technicians, and data entry staff to support smooth laboratory operations.
• Follow standard operating procedures and quality guidelines to maintain high standards of sample preparation and data integrity.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory and office functions.

Essential Skills

• 0–6 months of experience in sample preparation or laboratory support roles.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in a related field or environment.
• Ability to perform sample preparation tasks such as labeling, transferring, milling, blending, weighing, and disposal of samples.
• Familiarity with laboratory settings and basic laboratory practices.
• Ability to safely handle and use liquid nitrogen following safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate labeling, weighing, and documentation of samples.
• Effective communication skills to share sample information and report discrepancies to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to respond professionally to internal customer inquiries and requests.
• Capability to follow instructions and standard operating procedures consistently.
• Non-degreed candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an office or laboratory environment.
• Comfort working as part of a team with chemists, technicians, and data entry staff.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple samples and tasks efficiently.
• Basic computer and data entry skills for recording sample information.
• Interest in growth and career advancement within a large, expanding organization.
• Reliability and punctuality to support first-shift operations.

Work Environment

This role operates in a combined office and laboratory setting within a team‑based environment. The Sample Preparation Technician works closely with chemists, other sample preparation technicians, and data entry employees, reporting to a supervisor or manager as part of a group of approximately 27 onsite team members. The position follows a first‑shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The organization offers competitive pay, weekly compensation, and opportunities for growth and career advancement within a large, growing company. The culture emphasizes collaboration, professional development, and supporting one another to achieve high‑quality laboratory results.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Brea, CA.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Brea, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

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.