Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This Laboratory Technician role supports the Controlled Environments Team at a research facility focused on advancing the future of agriculture. You will contribute to innovative work that addresses global food challenges by performing routine laboratory and greenhouse tasks such as tissue sampling, seeding, transplanting, data collection, and general greenhouse maintenance. The position requires a responsible, highly motivated individual who takes initiative, enjoys learning, and maintains a professional, clean, and safe work environment while meeting all compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Punch or cut and store small samples of plant tissue and deliver them for laboratory analysis while carefully maintaining the identity of thousands of samples at a time and ensuring proper storage conditions.
• Perform seeding and transplanting of plantlets into flats and pots with careful attention to assignment details and experimental requirements.
• Transfer plants between the greenhouse and workstations to support processing and experimental tasks.
• Assist with experiments by collecting data, maintaining accurate records, and supporting ongoing research activities.
• Provide daily greenhouse plant care for corn, soybean, wheat, and other crops, ensuring healthy growth and proper maintenance.
• Perform routine greenhouse sanitation tasks, including discarding regulated material, destroying waste, cleaning, and sanitizing rooms to maintain compliance and safety standards.
• Follow standard operating procedures and safety/ergonomics protocols to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Use basic computer applications and internal research software to enter, manage, and track data and experimental information.
• Collaborate with team members and work independently with minimal supervision to meet project timelines and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and strictly follow standard operating procedures and safety/ergonomics protocols.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and sample identity for large volumes of plant tissue samples.
• High degree of self-motivation and a positive attitude with the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Experience or comfort working in greenhouse or laboratory settings with tasks such as plant care, tissue sampling, seeding, and transplanting.
• Basic computer skills, preferably including familiarity with MS Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and gain competency with internally developed research software for data collection and management.
• Physical ability to stand and sit for long periods of time and to lift up to 30 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Ability to tolerate repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse environment with pollen present year-round.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, biology, chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• Three or more years of related experience in greenhouse, laboratory, horticulture, or agriculture roles, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience, is preferred.
• Experience or interest in horticulture, plant care, greenhouse operations, or agricultural research.
• Experience with greenhouse sanitation, regulated material handling, and compliance-focused environments.
• Demonstrated stable work history, showing reliability and commitment in previous roles.
• Interest in working in an innovative, technology-driven agricultural research environment focused on solving global food challenges.

Work Environment

This role is based at a research facility greenhouse environment in Johnston, Iowa. The schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You will work in controlled environments that include warm and humid greenhouse conditions with pollen present year-round and will perform repetitive tasks such as plant care, tissue sampling, and data collection. The position involves regular standing and sitting for extended periods and lifting up to 30 pounds. You will use basic computer systems, including MS Office and internally developed research software, as well as standard laboratory and greenhouse equipment. The work environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and compliance, with routine sanitation tasks such as cleaning, waste destruction, and room sanitization. Dress will be practical and appropriate for laboratory and greenhouse work, supporting safety, comfort, and adherence to facility protocols.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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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.