Lab Assistant I

Job Title: Lab Assistant I

Job Description

The Lab Assistant I works in a high-volume, production-based clinical laboratory environment and performs essential tasks that support diagnostic testing. This role is ideal for individuals looking to break into the diagnostics field, including those without prior laboratory experience or formal lab schooling. The position focuses on accurate specimen handling, data entry, and basic equipment maintenance to ensure timely and high-quality test results.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort a high volume of clinical laboratory specimens in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prepare specimens for testing and analysis according to established laboratory procedures.
• Scan and perform data entry of specimen and patient information into laboratory information systems.
• Verify that all required specimen information is complete and accurately recorded.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is functioning properly and perform minor instrumentation maintenance as needed.
• Identify and troubleshoot specimen-related issues, escalating concerns when necessary.
• Replenish test bench and workstation supplies to support continuous production workflow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with laboratory safety guidelines.
• Complete record logs, documentation, and other administrative tasks as requested.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to maintain safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Handle biological specimens, including blood, tissue, and kidney stones, using appropriate precautions.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment and meet established turnaround times.
• Communicate effectively with team members and other staff, both verbally and in writing.
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods while performing repetitive tasks.
• Work overtime as needed to support laboratory workload and turnaround time commitments.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Comfort working with biological specimens, including blood, tissue, and kidney stones.
• Ability to accurately identify and label specimens.
• Basic computer proficiency and strong data entry skills.
• High level of attention to detail with the ability to prioritize tasks and multitask.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, production-based laboratory environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a clinical laboratory department. The schedule follows a fixed shift pattern: Monday from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday off, Wednesday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday off. The role involves working at a workstation or test bench with laboratory instruments, computers, and scanning equipment, and requires frequent handling of biological specimens. The environment is fast paced, deadline driven, and highly process oriented, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, safety, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures. Employees should expect to spend significant time either seated at a computer performing data entry or standing while sorting and preparing specimens. Overtime may be required based on workload and turnaround time requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Itasca, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/hr.

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 Itasca,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.