Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician Job Description
The Laboratory Technician supports high-quality scientific operations by strictly following laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), accurately handling and processing biological samples, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. This role contributes directly to impactful scientific outcomes by preparing sequencing templates, assisting with PCR and related workflows, and communicating with internal teams and external customers in a professional and empathetic manner. The position suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is highly detail oriented, and can consistently meet tight deadlines while understanding how their work fits into the broader goals of the laboratory.
Responsibilities
- Strictly adhere to all laboratory SOPs, safety protocols, and site trainer instructions for training, sample handling, project processing, and documentation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including regular bench cleaning and proper handling of equipment and materials.
- Receive and sort incoming biological samples accurately and efficiently to ensure proper tracking and processing.
- Prepare sequencing templates, including sample preparation, amplification, and PCR purification, following established protocols.
- Perform pipetting transfers, plating samples, and handling plasma and bacteria for PCR workflows using both manual and automated methods.
- Assist in purifying sequencing templates and load samples onto sequencing machines for overnight sequencing runs.
- Collect, handle, and package biohazardous and hazardous waste in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
- Use automation platforms as needed for sample processing and sequencing-related tasks.
- Document all work clearly and accurately, ensuring that records, logs, and reports meet GCP/GLP and internal quality standards.
- Communicate with customers and internal departments by email and phone in a friendly, professional, and timely manner to address questions and provide updates.
- Collaborate with team members across shifts to ensure smooth handoffs and continuity of operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Stand for prolonged periods as needed to complete laboratory tasks and meet daily throughput expectations, such as processing multiple plates per day.
- Work overtime, alternative shifts, and weekends when required, with advance notice, to support operational needs and sequencing schedules.
- Participate actively in training programs and accept feedback constructively to continuously improve performance and technical skills.
Essential Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 1+ years of laboratory work experience preferred, including hands-on sample handling and processing.
- Ability to strictly follow SOPs, safety protocols, and detailed instructions.
- Proficiency with pipetting transfers and accurate liquid handling in a laboratory setting.
- Experience with documentation of laboratory activities, including accurate recordkeeping and data entry.
- Ability to plate samples and handle plasma and bacteria for PCR workflows.
- Familiarity with PCR, including preparation and handling of PCR reactions.
- Comfort working with both manual and automated laboratory processes and equipment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally by email and phone.
- Effective written communication skills for interacting with customers and internal teams.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy while working under tight deadlines.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks.
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across shifts and accept feedback constructively.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or equivalent laboratory work experience preferred.
- Experience working in environments that follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
- Familiarity with biostorage operations, including handling freezers and chambers for sample storage.
- Experience with biologic samples and related handling requirements.
- Comfort working with automation platforms for sample processing and sequencing.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to process multiple plates per day, with the capacity to increase throughput over time.
- Positive, team-focused approach with openness to coaching and performance feedback.
Work Environment
The role is based in a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) laboratory environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to SOPs. Work takes place in a controlled lab setting with biostorage equipment, freezers, chambers, sequencing machines, and automation platforms. The position involves frequent standing for extended periods and repetitive laboratory tasks such as pipetting, plating, and handling PCR workflows. The schedule may include alternative shifts, swing shifts, and occasional overtime or weekend work with advance notice. You will collaborate with a broader day-shift team while often working more independently on a swing shift, supported by multiple supervisors and colleagues during overlapping hours. The culture values teamwork, professionalism, attention to detail, and continuous training, with a structured training program designed to set new Lab Technicians up for success.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Plainfield, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Plainfield, NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in South Plainfield,NJ. 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):
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