Job Title: Associate Lab TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Associate Lab Technician performs high-volume diagnostic clinical and clinical contract research testing under the direct supervision of laboratory leadership. This role prepares and manages samples, operates multiple analyzers, and supports the preparation of laboratory reagents and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment. It is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a career in a clinical or medical laboratory environment, with structured training and ongoing professional development.
Responsibilities
- Perform diagnostic clinical and clinical contract research testing under direct supervision, following all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Prepare samples for testing by supporting sample management activities, including sample identification and evaluation, labeling, processing, and centrifuging, especially during periods of high sample volume or reduced testing needs.
- Operate up to four different analyzers and perform scheduled diagnostic testing, handling approximately 500 to 1,500 samples per analyzer during a given night shift.
- Support the preparation of laboratory reagents according to schedules and maintain reagent inventory and quality as needed.
- Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance and calibration on laboratory equipment, ensuring instruments run properly and reliably.
- Participate in equipment validations and verification activities to confirm proper performance and compliance with laboratory standards.
- Prepare and handle human biological samples (such as blood and other specimens) in accordance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Follow standard operating procedures and quality control protocols to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely test results.
- Document work accurately, including test runs, maintenance activities, and any issues encountered during testing or equipment operation.
- Collaborate with sample management assistants and other laboratory technicians to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of testing.
- Participate in a structured training program for each analyzer, completing one-on-one training with a trainer followed by periods of supervised and independent practice.
- Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying workflow issues and communicating them to leadership or trainers as appropriate.
- Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and safe handling of reagents and biological materials.
- When authorized and appropriately trained, release final test results in accordance with training, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor of Science degree in a Life Science discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, OR completion of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) schooling with ASCP certification, OR completion of Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) schooling.
- Foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or microbiology as applied to clinical or medical laboratory testing.
- Experience or training in sample preparation and sample management, including labeling, processing, and centrifugation of specimens.
- Ability to perform diagnostic testing on automated analyzers and follow detailed laboratory protocols and procedures.
- Capability to learn and operate multiple analyzers and automated instruments under direct supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling high volumes of samples and performing repetitive tasks.
- Ability to follow regulatory, compliance, and quality control requirements in a clinical laboratory environment.
- Basic proficiency with laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, and microscopes.
- Willingness and ability to work evening or night shifts and handle high-throughput testing (5001,500 samples per analyzer per night).
- Effective communication skills to work collaboratively with trainers, laboratory leadership, and other team members.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe laboratory environment and following all safety and infection control procedures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Human biological testing experience with specimens such as blood, tissue, or urine.
- Blood banking or blood typing experience, including familiarity with blood bank workflows.
- Biology or medical laboratory internship experience, particularly in a clinical or research lab setting.
- Experience using centrifuges and automated laboratory instruments.
- Exposure to or experience with qPCR instrumentation, gel electrophoresis, sequencers, and related molecular biology tools.
- Familiarity with flow cytometry-based equipment and associated workflows.
- Experience with coagulation analyzers, plate washers, hematology isolators, and other automated diagnostic systems.
- Comfort working with high-throughput testing environments and managing large sample volumes.
- Interest in continuous education and professional development within a clinical or medical laboratory setting.
- Ability to adapt to structured training programs and accept regular performance feedback and coaching.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a clinical testing laboratory that supports a regional network of blood centers and testing facilities. The laboratory is organized into multiple specialized areas, and this position is part of the testing lab, which handles high-volume diagnostic testing. The primary schedule for this role is on second shift, typically from 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Initial training will take place on first shift, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for approximately three to four months. The training program spans about six months overall and includes one-on-one instruction with a trainer, broken into segments focused on each analyzer, followed by periods of individual practice.
The laboratory uses four main analyzers, including systems such as Abbott Alinity S, Immucor Neo, Roche Cobas 8800, and an additional analyzer, along with a wide range of supporting equipment. Staff regularly work with pipettes (single-channel, multi-channel, and electronic), centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, and microscopes. Automated instruments in the lab include a hematology isolator, plate washer, coagulation analyzer, and other specialized devices. Additional lab-specific equipment includes flow cytometry-based systems, qPCR instrumentation, thermal cyclers, gel electrophoresis units, sequencers, and aggregometers.
The environment is collaborative, with 45 other technicians and 34 sample management assistants typically working on the same shift. Team members may work 12 holidays per year, usually one in the summer and one in the winter, to support continuous laboratory operations. The dress code requires scrubs or business casual attire with long pants, along with comfortable, clean, closed-toe shoes appropriate for laboratory work. The organization emphasizes continuous education, inclusive culture, and engagement activities, and provides regular performance feedback and touchpoints to support professional growth. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $22.75 - $26.50/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 & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.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.
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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.
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