Sample Intake Technician

Job Title: Sample Intake Technician Job Description
The Sample Intake Technician plays a key role in a high-volume, fast-paced commercial laboratory by coordinating, intaking, and processing samples within the Sample Coordination, Intake, and Processing (SCIP) Lab. This role focuses primarily on accurately transcribing sample information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensuring that all intake steps are completed correctly to support precise and reliable food testing. While this is a computer-centric position with extensive use of LIMS and other software, it also offers exposure to neighboring sample preparation teams and provides valuable experience and growth opportunities within a large technical center.
Responsibilities
- Accurately transcribe sample and customer submission information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Determine and confirm the type of testing requested by customers, asking clarifying questions when needed to ensure appropriate testing is performed.
- Leverage available resources to confirm that the sample matrix is suitable for the customers requested test methods.
- Maintain organized structure of samples by correctly delivering, storing, and disposing of samples as required.
- Record sample preparation techniques and delivery details in LIMS to ensure complete and accurate documentation.
- Log samples and prepare them for shipment to third-party laboratories in accordance with submission requests.
- Perform miscellaneous laboratory administrative and organizational tasks to support overall lab operations.
- Coordinate sample testing and processing activities, with an emphasis on accurate data entry and system updates.
- Follow all laboratory safety and quality requirements and procedures, including compliance with PPE, GMP, OSHA, and ISO standards.
- Collaborate with a small intake team and communicate effectively with neighboring sample preparation lab team members.
- Manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrate flexibility in daily tasks and adapt to changes in workload and priorities.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting, or an Associates degree in a science-related field, or a Bachelors degree in a science-related field.
- Comfort and proficiency with multiple computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, and LIMS.
- Knowledge of basic food testing programs and services.
- Strong attention to detail while managing multiple tasks at the same time.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for 56 hours per day.
- Ability to perform tasks while wearing required personal protective equipment such as face shields, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, OSHA-approved safety glasses, laboratory coat, and cryogenic gloves.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Fast learner with natural curiosity and a drive to learn, comfortable asking clarifying questions.
- Demonstrated flexibility in handling daily tasks and changes in workload.
- Professional written and verbal communication skills.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Previous experience in a food laboratory setting.
- Background or interest in nutrition or science-related disciplines.
- Experience with specimen processing and sample preparation.
- Familiarity with document management and data entry in laboratory environments.
Work Environment
This role is based onsite at a technical center in Golden Valley within a commercial food testing laboratory. The position involves potential exposure and contact with common food, environmental, and chemical allergens. The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with two shifts (7:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.), and the technician must be available to alternate between these shifts during the week. During the summer period from Memorial Day to Labor Day, core summer hours may allow shorter days on Fridays and longer days Monday through Thursday, depending on lab group assignment.

Work is primarily computer-centric, with roughly 8090% of duties involving use of LIMS and other software for coordinating sample testing, processing, and data entry. The role is part of a small team of approximately 23 people, with regular interaction with a neighboring sample preparation team of 1012 people and a broader Medallion lab community of around 60 science professionals across approximately 14 different labs. The lab supports sample handling and distribution to analytical labs for testing food samples and serves as the starting point in the product testing process.

The environment requires consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include face shields, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, OSHA-approved safety glasses, laboratory coats, and cryogenic gloves. The position offers holiday pay for six major holidays while on contract and provides strong potential for conversion to a full-time role with robust benefits and significant room for growth within the lab network.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Minneapolis, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Minneapolis,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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 [email protected] 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
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