Lab Assistant

Job Title: Lab Assistant Job Description
The Lab Assistant supports daily laboratory operations by cleaning and sanitizing equipment and work areas, preparing samples, and assisting laboratory staff with routine tasks. This entry-level role is ideal for dependable individuals who enjoy hands-on work in a fast-paced environment and are comfortable following strict safety and quality procedures.
Responsibilities
- Wash laboratory glassware and equipment thoroughly to ensure they are clean, sanitized, and ready for use.
- Dispose of laboratory waste according to established procedures and safety guidelines.
- Clean and sanitize laboratory work areas regularly to maintain a safe and organized environment.
- Support sample preparation activities as needed, following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain organized workspaces, including proper labeling, storage, and handling of materials.
- Follow all laboratory safety and quality procedures, including aseptic techniques where required.
- Assist laboratory staff with daily operational tasks to support smooth and efficient workflow.
- Handle basic pipetting and plating tasks in accordance with laboratory protocols, when needed.
- Perform cleaning and sanitation responsibilities consistently and accurately.
- Work independently on assigned tasks while actively supporting team operations.
Essential Skills
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately.
- Comfort working with cleaning and sanitation responsibilities in a laboratory setting.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized workspaces.
- Dependability and punctuality, with a strong work ethic.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
- Basic familiarity with laboratory practices such as sample preparation, pipetting, and plating.
- Ability to follow safety and quality procedures consistently.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience in restaurant, retail, warehouse, production, hospitality, healthcare support, food processing, or similar hands-on environments preferred.
- Experience in a laboratory environment is a plus.
- Exposure to food science or food processing environments is beneficial.
- Familiarity with aseptic technique is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team-oriented settings.
- Comfort adapting to changing priorities and tasks in a production or lab environment.
Work Environment
This role is based in a laboratory environment that emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and adherence to standard operating procedures. The work is hands-on and fast-paced, with frequent cleaning, sanitation, and sample preparation tasks. There are two shift options: one schedule runs Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM (one opening), and another schedule runs Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM (one opening). The position involves working on-site alongside laboratory staff and other team members, using standard lab equipment and materials while following established safety and quality guidelines.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lancaster, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $18.00/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 Lancaster,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.