Lab Technician I

Job Title: Lab Technician IJob DescriptionThe Lab Technician I performs a full range of clinical laboratory testing to support the detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of disease. This role works collaboratively with the laboratory team to deliver accurate and timely testing services, operates and maintains laboratory instruments, and ensures that all work complies with established procedures and quality standards. Additional tasks may be assigned at the discretion of laboratory leadership.

Responsibilities

• Follow written laboratory procedures for the correct handling, processing, and storage of specimens.
• Perform laboratory procedures of moderate and high complexity in accordance with established departmental procedures and regulatory standards.
• Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of all technical procedures in the department and the operation of all instrumentation.
• Review and follow all pertinent standard operating procedure manuals (SOPMs).
• Manipulate and operate simple and complex laboratory equipment, including computers and automated analyzers.
• Perform routine maintenance, limited tear-down, and replacement of parts on laboratory equipment, and assist in problem-solving equipment malfunctions.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new employees, participating in the training of technical staff and monitoring progress in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Serve as a resource to peers and other personnel by providing technical guidance and support.
• Perform established quality control procedures for each testing method and maintain accurate quality control records.
• Review and analyze quality control data, identify trends or problems, make sound judgments, and take appropriate corrective action before releasing test results, where applicable.
• Operate laboratory instruments and perform routine maintenance and procedural calibrations as required.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and document laboratory instrument and reagent issues, performing preventive and corrective maintenance and maintaining detailed records of actions taken.
• Contact technical service representatives when necessary to resolve complex instrument or reagent problems.
• Review the accuracy and completeness of test results prior to releasing them in the Laboratory Information System, where applicable.
• Recognize unexpected or unreasonable test results and testing delays and take appropriate follow-up actions.
• Follow established protocols for acceptance or rejection of patient results.
• Locate and transport specimens according to company standards and protocols.
• Complete routine and STAT testing within established turnaround time guidelines.
• Review pending logs, research and resolve missing specimen issues, and ensure appropriate handoff to the next shift when issues remain unresolved.
• Notify the supervisor when specimen or testing issues cannot be resolved through standard procedures.
• Participate in the evaluation, validation, and development of new laboratory procedures, methods, and instruments.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety, quality, and compliance policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform moderate and high complexity laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards.
• Proficiency in handling, processing, and transporting clinical specimens following strict protocols.
• Strong technical aptitude to operate, calibrate, and maintain simple and complex laboratory instruments and computer systems.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow detailed standard operating procedure manuals (SOPMs).
• Competence in performing and interpreting quality control procedures, identifying trends or issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Skill in troubleshooting instrument and reagent problems and documenting all maintenance and repair activities.
• Ability to review and verify the accuracy and completeness of laboratory results prior to release in the Laboratory Information System.
• Strong organizational skills to manage routine and STAT testing within defined turnaround times.
• Effective communication skills to serve as a resource to peers and to support training of new and existing staff.
• Mathematical, computer, reasoning, and language skills at a college level (equivalent to 2 years).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate of Science degree in medical technology, chemistry, biology, or a related life science that meets CLIA personnel standard criteria (required).
• State licensure, where applicable (required).
• ASCP or other national certification (preferred).
• One year of relevant clinical laboratory work experience (preferred).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and to push and pull laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Willingness to participate in the training and orientation of new staff and to act as a resource within the laboratory team.

Work EnvironmentThis position operates in a clinical laboratory setting that utilizes both simple and complex diagnostic instruments and computer-based laboratory information systems. The role involves medium physical work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying objects up to 25 pounds, and pushing or pulling equipment and supply carts. The schedule for this role is Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., supporting overnight operations and timely processing of routine and STAT testing. The environment emphasizes adherence to safety protocols, quality standards, and collaborative teamwork while working with sophisticated diagnostic technologies. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $29.00 - $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 & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Elmwood Park,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.

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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.

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