Associate Scientist

Job Title: Production Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Production Laboratory Technician performs routine laboratory work in a cell culture environment, supporting production and quality control activities in a fast-paced operations setting. This role prepares solutions, executes serial dilutions, processes samples, and supports microbiological testing while strictly following aseptic techniques, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements. The technician maintains accurate documentation using both electronic and written systems, keeps work areas organized, and collaborates closely with a small team to ensure high-quality and timely completion of all laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory work in a competent cell culture environment using biosafety cabinets and proper aseptic techniques.
• Prepare solutions and execute serial dilutions using shake flasks, pipettes, balances, and standard pouring techniques.
• Accurately pipette into plates, flasks, and tubes according to written protocols, schedules, and process requirements.
• Process samples through centrifugation and perform subsequent transfers while maintaining sample integrity and traceability.
• Support quality control activities, including performing purity testing through plating methods such as agar plate preparation and inoculation.
• Read, interpret, and document plate results accurately, ensuring all observations and data are recorded in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and complete records using a mix of computer-based documentation systems and written documentation.
• Keep laboratory and production work areas well organized, ensuring proper setup before work begins and thorough cleanup after tasks are completed.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-aligned practices as applicable.
• Maintain strong time awareness for all process steps, ensuring tasks are started, monitored, and completed within required timelines.
• Promptly communicate with supervisors or team members when instructions, timing, or procedures are unclear to prevent errors and deviations.
• Collaborate with team members in operations and production, engaging with colleagues daily to coordinate workflow and support shared goals.
• Adapt to working in different areas within operations as needed, contributing to various production-related laboratory tasks.
• Use basic math skills and attention to detail to ensure accurate measurements, calculations, and documentation.
• Operate standard laboratory equipment, including pH meters, conductivity meters, pipettes, and balances, in accordance with established procedures.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting working directly with biological materials, equipment, or similar processes, OR a Bachelor"s degree in a biology-based life science and experience in a fast-paced work environment such as fast food, manufacturing, or similar.
• Proficiency with standard laboratory equipment, including pH meters, conductivity meters, pipettes, and related tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cell culture environment using biosafety cabinets and proper aseptic techniques.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and technical processes aimed at improving quality and efficiency.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail for accurate measurements, calculations, and data recording.
• Legible handwriting and strong computer literacy to support both electronic and paper-based documentation.
• Comfort working with biological materials and following laboratory safety practices.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to follow written protocols and schedules precisely.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques.
• Experience working with cell culture and demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique.
• Previous industry experience in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or medical devices, particularly in an ISO-certified environment.
• Familiarity with microbiology, laboratory operations, and GMP-aligned practices.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production or operations environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with a small team and escalate issues when needed.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory setting within an operations and production environment, with regular exposure to biological materials. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday on first shift, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break; a 7:00 a.m. start may be considered if needed. The team operates a rotating Sunday schedule to start cell cultures; once fully staffed, each technician comes in approximately every five weeks for 30 minutes to 1 hour of work, with flexibility to switch Sundays with other team members when necessary. The position requires the use of personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses, and may involve standing for extended periods and performing repetitive manual tasks. Work is performed primarily in a laboratory environment on the production side, with potential to flex into other operational areas as needed. The technician reports into production leadership and works closely with a team of roughly 10-12 colleagues, engaging directly with 3-4 team members on a daily basis in a collaborative, hands-on laboratory setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

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.