Lab Assistant

Job Title: Lab Assistant

Job Description

The Lab Assistant supports plant research by collecting and preparing soy and wheat plant samples for DNA analysis while strictly following established research protocols. This role requires strong attention to detail, consistent adherence to safety and cleanliness standards, and the ability to meet defined performance metrics in a fast-paced, research-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Collect soy and wheat plant and tissue samples for DNA analysis according to internal research protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Handle, label, and organize samples accurately to ensure traceability and data integrity throughout the analysis process.
• Perform seed chipping and related preparation tasks to support laboratory and research activities.
• Work with plants growing in growth chambers and greenhouse environments as needed, including routine care and handling.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory and facility environment by following all cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Use laboratory tools and equipment, including tweezers and other small instruments, for repetitive, fine-motor tasks.
• Follow established protocols and procedures consistently, documenting work as required by research guidelines.
• Meet established productivity and quality metrics for sample collection, preparation, and related tasks.
• Support plant growth operations in the chamber facility by assisting with routine physical tasks such as lifting, moving materials, and setting up work areas.
• Work assigned weekend shifts on a rotating basis and support work on company holidays as needed to maintain research continuity.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support ongoing research projects and operational needs.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma required.
• Associate degree or higher preferred, particularly in a science-related field.
• Science through education and/or experience.
• Research experience with demonstrated high attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately and consistently.
• Ability to perform hands-on physical work, including repetitive gripping and squeezing, bending, reaching, and both standing and sitting for extended periods of time, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Willingness and ability to work assigned weekend shifts on a rotating basis.
• Willingness and ability to work on company holidays as needed.
• Comfort working in warm conditions (approximately 8085 degrees) inside growth chambers.
• Strong focus on safety and facility cleanliness.
• High level of attention to detail to meet established metrics and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory setting is beneficial.
• Experience working in greenhouse or growth chamber environments is an advantage.
• Familiarity with seed chipping processes is a plus.
• Comfort using small tools such as tweezers for repetitive, fine-motor tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a large, structured research facility.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing workloads and seasonal peaks.
• Interest in plant science, agriculture, or related research fields.
• Reliability and strong time-management skills to support rotating weekend schedules.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, climate-controlled research facility that houses multiple growth chambers where soybean plants are grown under carefully controlled conditions. The growth chambers typically maintain warm conditions of approximately 8085 degrees and bright light, so you must be comfortable working in a warm environment. The position is physically active, with most of the day spent on your feet during an 8-hour shift, occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, and frequent repetitive motions such as gripping and working with tweezers and small tools. The dress code is casual and practical, with jeans, a work-appropriate shirt, and closed-toe shoes required. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for about 3540 hours per week, with occasional lighter weeks depending on workload. Weekend work is expected on a rotating basis, generally 2 weekends out of every 5, usually both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a weekday off provided when working a weekend. Schedules for weekend coverage are planned several months in advance, and team members can sign up for available slots to align with their availability. The role is part of an open-ended, long-term contract opportunity, with a busy season of approximately four months and the potential for ongoing work for strong performers. Consultants receive paid time off for major holidays and accrue paid time off over hours worked, contributing to a stable and supportive work environment focused on research excellence and employee retention.

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA.

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 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.