Job Title: Lab TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Lab Technician plays a key role in a high-throughput laboratory, performing routine molecular biology workflows while strictly adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols. This position supports sequencing operations by preparing and processing samples, communicating with customers and internal teams, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. The role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset. Occasional overtime, weekend work, and prolonged periods of standing may be required. A dedicated training program is provided to ensure the Lab Technician is set up for success.
Responsibilities
- Strictly adhere to all laboratory SOPs, safety protocols, and site trainer instructions during training, sample handling, project processing, and documentation.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area, including routine cleaning, dishwashing, and use of the autoclave as needed.
- Receive and sort incoming samples, ensuring accurate labeling, tracking, and biostorage in appropriate chambers and freezers.
- Prepare sequencing templates, including sample preparation, amplification, and PCR purification for downstream sequencing workflows.
- Assist in purifying sequencing templates and load samples onto sequencing machines, supporting overnight sequencing runs and high-volume operations.
- Perform routine pipetting and PCR work, including preparation of 96-well PCR master mixes and extraction workflows (such as 48-sample extractions) in a BSL-2 environment.
- Work with both manual and automated platforms to support sample processing, PCR, and sequencing-related tasks.
- Handle biohazardous and hazardous waste collection and packaging in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Follow recipes and protocols to prepare media and liquid mixtures required for laboratory processes.
- Perform documentation tasks accurately, including recording experimental details, sample information, and process steps in accordance with GCP and GLP guidelines.
- Conduct plating of samples and work with plasma, bacteria, and PCR-based assays as part of routine laboratory workflows.
- Communicate with customers and internal departments via email and phone in a friendly, professional, and empathetic manner to understand and support their needs.
- Collaborate with a broader day-shift team while working independently on swing shift, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to pivot between tasks and projects.
- Participate in a structured training program and apply feedback constructively to continuously improve performance and technical skills.
- Support high-throughput projects involving PCR, qPCR purification, extractions, and multiplex assays related to sequencing workflows.
- Adhere to quality standards and timelines, ensuring that all work contributes to reliable, accurate sequencing results for customers.
- Work occasional overtime, weekends, and alternative shifts with advanced notice to meet operational and project demands.
Essential Skills
- At least 1 year of routine pipetting and PCR experience in a laboratory setting.
- Proficiency with micropipetting techniques and accurate transfer of liquids.
- Experience working with PCR workflows, including preparation of master mixes and routine amplification tasks.
- Ability to operate in a BSL-2 laboratory environment, including handling extractions and biological materials such as plasma and bacteria.
- Familiarity with laboratory SOPs, sample receiving, biostorage, chambers, and freezer management.
- Understanding of and adherence to GCP and GLP principles in documentation and laboratory practices.
- High school diploma required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong verbal and written communication abilities.
- Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated flexibility and ability to pivot quickly from one task or project to another.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, sample handling, and experimental procedures.
- Ability to take feedback constructively and apply it to improve performance.
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently when needed while collaborating effectively with a larger group.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or equivalent laboratory work experience preferred.
- 1+ years of general laboratory work experience preferred.
- Experience with both manual and automated laboratory platforms, including automation used in PCR and sequencing workflows.
- Background in biology or related life sciences is beneficial.
- Experience with plating samples and working with bacterial cultures, including E. coli.
- Familiarity with biostorage systems and overnight sequencing workflows.
- Ability to follow detailed recipes and protocols for media preparation and liquid mixing.
- Comfort working in an environment that may involve strong odors associated with biological samples.
- Experience presenting Background, projects, and interests clearly and professionally.
- Ability to work effectively as the primary person on a swing shift while coordinating with a larger day-shift team.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based in an NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) laboratory site that operates in a high-throughput, fast-paced environment. The work involves handling biological samples, including bacteria and stool-derived materials, within a BSL-2 setting and supporting PCR, qPCR, extractions, and sequencing workflows. The laboratory uses a combination of manual and automated platforms, biostorage systems, chambers, and freezers, and follows strict SOPs, GCP, and GLP standards. The environment may include noticeable odors from E. coli and other biological materials, particularly in the morning. The standard shift runs Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the first three weeks dedicated to training on a Monday through Friday schedule from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Occasional overtime, weekend work, and alternative shifts with advanced notice may be required to support operational demands. The Lab Technician works primarily on swing shift, overlapping with a larger day-shift team of laboratory staff and supervisors, in a collaborative, feedback-focused, and team-oriented culture. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required in accordance with safety and biosafety guidelines. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Plainfield, NJ. Pay and BenefitsThe 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 & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Plainfield, NJ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
