Lab Assistant

Job Title: Lab Assistant / Test Article Preparation Specialist Job Description
This position supports sample preparation and daily laboratory operations in a fast-paced, regulated environment. The Lab Assistant / Test Article Preparation Specialist prepares samples for testing, maintains accurate documentation, supports chemical characterization and biocompatibility testing, and ensures all materials are prepared in accordance with established protocols and project timelines.
Responsibilities
- Prepare samples for testing by cutting, weighing, rinsing, mixing, extracting, sterilizing, and diluting materials according to established procedures.
- Ensure accurate sample identification and apply proper handling techniques to prevent contamination throughout the preparation process.
- Prepare chemical solutions, serial dilutions, and sample extractions by following written laboratory procedures.
- Support chemical characterization and biocompatibility testing, including performing extractions aligned with ISO 10993-18 or similar standards.
- Perform basic non-volatile residue (NVR) testing as needed to support laboratory studies.
- Accurately document all laboratory activities in compliance with ALCOA++ and GMP/GLP principles.
- Maintain complete and organized sample preparation records, test results, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation.
- Clean, maintain, and operate basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, incubators, ovens, and rotary evaporators.
- Maintain an adequate inventory of sterile glassware, consumables, and laboratory supplies to support ongoing projects.
- Support laboratory analysts by preparing samples and test articles in alignment with project timelines and study requirements.
- Communicate sample-related issues, deviations, or potential delays promptly to the laboratory team to ensure timely resolution.
- Follow established laboratory safety procedures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical handling guidelines, and sample disposal protocols.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
- 15 years of laboratory experience, which may include academic or hands-on industry laboratory experience.
- Experience preparing solutions, performing serial dilutions, and conducting sample preparation and/or extractions.
- Familiarity with GMP/GLP documentation requirements and regulated laboratory practices.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced laboratory environment while managing multiple samples and competing priorities.
- Comfortable handling chemicals and following hazardous material safety procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
- Collaborative, dependable, and willing to learn new techniques and procedures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Knowledge of ISO standards, biocompatibility testing, medical device testing, or analytical chemistry.
- Experience supporting chemical characterization and biocompatibility studies.
- Familiarity with USP sample preparation techniques.
- Understanding and application of ALCOA++ principles in documentation.
- Ability to communicate effectively with laboratory analysts and team members regarding sample status and issues.
Work Environment
This role is based onsite in a laboratory environment five days per week in Hercules. The position involves working in a regulated laboratory setting that follows GMP/GLP principles and ISO-related standards. You will regularly use laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, incubators, ovens, and rotary evaporators, and handle chemicals and test articles under defined safety and hazardous material procedures. The work is fast paced and project driven, requiring consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to established laboratory safety, chemical handling, and sample disposal protocols.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hercules, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 Hercules, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Hercules,CA. 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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