Job Title: Lab Technician
Job Description
The Lab Technician supports research and development and quality control activities by logging samples, performing laboratory testing, monitoring product condition, and maintaining a high standard of lab upkeep. This role focuses on testing and workmanship standards for high‑performance petroleum products, supporting blending and packaging operations, and performing day‑to‑day monitoring, testing, and initial start‑up authorization using instrumental analysis to ensure reliability and conformance to specifications. The position offers close collaboration with the QC team, hands‑on work on the production floor, and exposure to advanced laboratory systems and processes.
Responsibilities
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Log and receive samples accurately, ensuring proper labeling, barcoding, and documentation for all incoming and in‑process materials.
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Perform routine and advanced laboratory tests throughout the full product life cycle, including but not limited to FTIR, viscosity, density, pour‑point, cold crank, XRF, and ICP analyses.
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Conduct wet chemistry procedures such as pipetting, titrations, and other analytical techniques in accordance with established lab quality standards.
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Support condition monitoring activities and assist in running lab tests that support both R&D and quality control functions.
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Back up the quality department by performing production floor checks, in‑process testing, and verification of workmanship standards.
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Utilize instrumental analysis to support blending and packaging functions of high‑performance petroleum products, ensuring conformance to specifications.
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Calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments to maintain accuracy, reliability, and uptime of analytical equipment.
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Generate test results using the LIMS system and prepare clear, accurate test reports as required by internal stakeholders.
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Maintain lab quality standards at all times by ensuring continuous, accurate recordkeeping of results, reports, and all other documentation.
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Perform day‑to‑day lab upkeep, including maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
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Collaborate closely with the R&D and QC teams, participate in team meetings, and contribute to discussions on test results, trends, and process improvements.
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Support conditional monitoring analysis for R&D testing and provide timely feedback on product performance and quality metrics.
Essential Skills-
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
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Completion of Organic Chemistry coursework, including associated laboratory work.
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0–6+ months of hands‑on laboratory experience gained through academic or industry settings.
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Experience performing wet chemistry techniques, including titrations and pipetting.
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Familiarity with laboratory testing methods such as FTIR, viscosity, density, pour‑point, cold crank, XRF, and ICP.
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Ability to perform sample logging, labeling, barcoding, and data entry with high attention to detail.
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Experience with laboratory quality standards and good documentation practices.
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Ability to calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments at a basic level.
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Proficiency in using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar systems for results entry and report generation.
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a laboratory environment.
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Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a lab team.
Additional Skills & Qualifications-
Experience with ICP or ICP‑MS techniques.
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Hands‑on experience with troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of analytical instruments beyond basic operation.
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Comfort working in a fast‑paced environment, as demonstrated through prior academic or professional references.
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Strong teamwork and communication skills, supported by references.
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Proven ability to multi‑task and manage competing priorities, supported by references.
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Prior experience in R&D, QA, or QC laboratory settings.
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Familiarity with condition monitoring and analysis for petroleum or related products.
Work Environment
This role is a 3‑month contract position created to support an influx of work, with the possibility of extension based on business needs and performance. Approximately 90% of the time is spent working hands‑on in the lab and 5–10% is dedicated to logging data and participating in team meetings. The Lab Technician primarily supports R&D testing and conditional monitoring analysis. The team consists of a 4‑person lab group focused on product development plus 2 interns, with a total of about 12 technicians and chemists in the lab at a time across Quality, Product Development, and R&D teams. The work culture is outgoing and collaborative. The position follows a first‑shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to start earlier or later (for example, 7:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.) based on mutual agreement. The laboratory environment features high‑end lab space, a robust LIMS system, and automated manufacturing lines, reflecting strong investment in laboratory capabilities. The facility offers comfortable employee spaces, including a lounge, entertainment area, and a full kitchen in the break room, supporting a positive and engaging workplace experience.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Minneapolis, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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 [email protected] 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.
