Lab Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician - Sunscreen ResearchJob Description

This role supports clinical and laboratory studies focused on sunscreen products, with an emphasis on waterproof claims. The Laboratory Technician sets up and conducts lab tests in accordance with study protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulations, including GDPs, GMPs, and GCPs. The position involves extensive wet chemistry work, particularly pH testing, preparation and handling of test materials, data entry, and close interaction with study participants and internal teams. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a chemistry background who wants hands-on exposure to research in a structured, fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and conduct laboratory tests in strict compliance with study protocols, SOPs, and applicable regulations, including GDPs, GMPs, and GCPs.
• Perform wet chemistry techniques, with a strong focus on pH testing of water and products in the whirlpool environment.
• Prepare and conduct pH tests within the whirlpool to evaluate sunscreen waterproof claims and related product performance.
• Prepare, complete, organize, and maintain all study documentation forms, including drafting protocol amendments, case report forms, Electronic Data Capture entries, and other study-specific documents.
• Perform station and instrumentation duties on assigned studies, including accurate collection and recording of clinical and laboratory information.
• Prepare for and lead or support pre-study meetings, ensuring that staff working on assigned studies understand the protocol, SOPs, and GCPs and perform duties accordingly.
• Respond to queries from Quality Assurance and Statistics departments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prepare, manage, and remain accountable for all test materials used in assigned studies, ensuring correct labeling, handling, and tracking.
• Oversee study participants during waterproof testing procedures, including monitoring their time in the whirlpool and conducting required assessments.
• Conduct wet and dry tests, including multi-pour procedures, and perform physical tasks such as cleaning the whirlpool and handling test materials.
• Enter study and laboratory data accurately and promptly into appropriate systems, ensuring data integrity and completeness.
• Provide excellent customer service to clients and panelists, maintaining professional, courteous, and positive interactions at all times.
• Collaborate effectively with peers and supervisors as a proactive team player, supporting other studies and lab activities as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, following all lab rules, including restrictions on personal phone use in the lab.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, accountability, and the ability to handle stress while meeting deadlines and study timelines.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Chemistry or closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques, with pH testing as a primary focus.
• Prior laboratory experience, preferably in a clinical, cosmetic, or product-testing environment.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols, SOPs, and regulatory guidelines (GDPs, GMPs, GCPs).
• Strong data entry skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including wet tests, dry tests, multi pours, and cleaning laboratory equipment such as the whirlpool.
• Capacity to manage stress and maintain composure in a fast-paced, time-sensitive research setting.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and study staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service mindset when working with clients and panelists.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or interest in clinical trials or clinical research settings.
• background or exposure to cosmetic or sunscreen product testing, particularly waterproof claims.
• Experience in service-oriented roles (such as hospitality or food service) that demonstrate strong customer service, multitasking, and communication skills.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently while adhering to established procedures.
• High level of humility, openness to feedback, and willingness to learn new techniques and processes.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, documentation, and study materials simultaneously.
• Comfort working in a structured, regulated environment with close adherence to quality and compliance standards.
• Ability to participate in occasional Saturday work when study schedules require it.

Work Environment

The position is based in a laboratory environment within a sunscreen research department, focusing on waterproof claims and related product testing. The work involves extensive wet chemistry, including pH testing of water and products, as well as both wet and dry tests and multi-pour procedures. The role requires physical activity at times, such as overseeing participants in a whirlpool for specified durations, handling test materials, and cleaning the whirlpool and associated equipment. The lab operates primarily Monday through Friday, generally around 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility and occasional Saturday work depending on study needs. The environment is structured, detail-oriented, and regulated, with strict adherence to protocols, SOPs, and quality standards. Personal phone use is not permitted while in the lab, supporting a focused and safety-conscious workspace. Team members work closely together, and the culture emphasizes reliability, accountability, professionalism, and respectful collaboration while providing a strong introduction to research for those looking to build their experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elizabeth, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Elizabeth,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.

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