Lab Assistant I - 1st Shift Chem

This Lab Assistant I role supports a high-volume clinical laboratory by handling, organizing, and preparing specimens for testing on the 1st shift in the chemistry department. You will work closely with laboratory technicians, pulling and labeling samples, scanning them into tracking systems, and ensuring specimens are ready for accurate and timely analysis in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Pull samples from storage and walk-in refrigerators and deliver them to technicians for retesting, handling batches of 200–300 specimens at a time.
• Label and pour specimens accurately to prepare them for testing and analysis.
• Receive and sort clinical laboratory specimens according to established procedures.
• Scan specimens into the laboratory tracking system and perform data entry of specimen and patient information with high attention to detail.
• Prepare specimens for testing and analysis following Standard Operating Procedures and quality standards.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment used in specimen processing is functioning properly and perform minor instrumentation maintenance as needed.
• Troubleshoot specimen-related issues, including labeling, documentation, or processing concerns, and escalate when necessary.
• Replenish test bench supplies and consumables to support continuous laboratory operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with laboratory safety guidelines.
• Complete record logs and other administrative duties as requested to support accurate documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in specimen handling and processing.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to stand for the majority of the shift.
• Comfort working with human specimens in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform light lifting and carrying, including lifting and pushing 10–15 pounds.
• Basic data entry skills and ability to accurately scan and record specimen and patient information.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures consistently.
• Ability to work efficiently with high specimen volumes and manage repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy.

• Prior medical or laboratory experience, including academic lab experience, is preferred.
• Experience as a laboratory assistant, accessioning specialist, or in sample sorting and processing is beneficial.
• Interest in growing into a laboratory technologist role; candidates with or pursuing a bachelor’s degree may have future promotion opportunities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team of 8–9 lab assistants on the same shift.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn from experienced trainers and leadership.

This is a contract-only position within a busy clinical laboratory that operates on a structured schedule. The role is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., with two paid fifteen-minute breaks and one unpaid thirty-minute break per shift. You will spend the majority of your shift on your feet, performing light lifting and pushing of up to 10–15 pounds. A significant portion of the work takes place in walk-in refrigerators, and team members rotate so that each person spends a few hours per shift in the cold environment rather than the entire shift. You will work alongside a team of 8–9 day shift lab assistants and internal staff in a collaborative setting with strong training and supportive leadership. The laboratory emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, and offers meaningful work that contributes to critical diagnostic testing and national public health efforts. There is potential for future growth and internal hiring if permanent roles become available, and high-performing lab assistants may be considered for promotion into technologist positions, subject to meeting educational requirements.

This is a Contract position based out of Raritan, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 fully onsite position in Raritan,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 2026.

About Actalent

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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.