Lab Technician
Actalent, Des Moines, IA, United States
Job Description
The Lab Technician supports safe, high-quality dairy and beverage production by performing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. This role ensures products meet strict quality and safety standards by monitoring key process parameters, maintaining accurate records, and supporting internal audits in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Test all pasteurized milk to verify proper pasteurization and homogenization.
Perform temperature checks on all pasteurized and raw milk storage tanks to ensure compliance with specifications.
Test empty product containers for microbial contamination before use in production.
Aseptically plate in-process and packaged product samples for microbial contamination analysis.
Conduct finished product testing during daily start‑ups and changeovers, including evaluation of chemical and physical properties as well as organoleptic testing.
Monitor in-process culture tanks and collect samples at designated intervals to check temperature and pH levels.
Monitor and review temperature recording charts to verify process control and identify deviations.
Organize, label, and rotate all laboratory samples on a daily basis to maintain accurate sample management.
Assist with daily cleaning and routine maintenance of all laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
Prepare all necessary laboratory reagents needed throughout the shift according to established procedures.
Clean and autoclave all glassware and reusable testing equipment to maintain sterility and readiness for use.
Collect chemical samples from the production floor to test for proper concentration and usage.
Autoclave necessary laboratory and plant equipment to support sanitary operations.
Perform instrument calibrations as scheduled to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Assist with the internal auditing program by supporting documentation, record review, and compliance checks.
Enter the production floor periodically throughout the shift to pull random samples from filler lines for testing.
Maintain accurate records of all tests, observations, and results in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with production and quality teams to communicate test results and help resolve quality issues when they arise.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related scientific field.
Foundational knowledge of chemistry and biology principles applicable to laboratory testing.
Understanding of microbiology and aseptic technique for plating and handling samples.
Familiarity with quality assurance practices in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
Work Environment
Lab Technicians work closely with the production floor, frequently entering production areas to collect samples from filler lines and process tanks. The environment involves routine use of laboratory instruments, autoclaves, glassware, reagents, and temperature and pH monitoring equipment.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.
Job Type & Location
Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.
Pay & Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.
Benefits
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident & 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)
EEO Statement
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Lab Technician supports safe, high-quality dairy and beverage production by performing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. This role ensures products meet strict quality and safety standards by monitoring key process parameters, maintaining accurate records, and supporting internal audits in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Test all pasteurized milk to verify proper pasteurization and homogenization.
Perform temperature checks on all pasteurized and raw milk storage tanks to ensure compliance with specifications.
Test empty product containers for microbial contamination before use in production.
Aseptically plate in-process and packaged product samples for microbial contamination analysis.
Conduct finished product testing during daily start‑ups and changeovers, including evaluation of chemical and physical properties as well as organoleptic testing.
Monitor in-process culture tanks and collect samples at designated intervals to check temperature and pH levels.
Monitor and review temperature recording charts to verify process control and identify deviations.
Organize, label, and rotate all laboratory samples on a daily basis to maintain accurate sample management.
Assist with daily cleaning and routine maintenance of all laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
Prepare all necessary laboratory reagents needed throughout the shift according to established procedures.
Clean and autoclave all glassware and reusable testing equipment to maintain sterility and readiness for use.
Collect chemical samples from the production floor to test for proper concentration and usage.
Autoclave necessary laboratory and plant equipment to support sanitary operations.
Perform instrument calibrations as scheduled to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Assist with the internal auditing program by supporting documentation, record review, and compliance checks.
Enter the production floor periodically throughout the shift to pull random samples from filler lines for testing.
Maintain accurate records of all tests, observations, and results in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with production and quality teams to communicate test results and help resolve quality issues when they arise.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related scientific field.
Foundational knowledge of chemistry and biology principles applicable to laboratory testing.
Understanding of microbiology and aseptic technique for plating and handling samples.
Familiarity with quality assurance practices in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
Work Environment
Lab Technicians work closely with the production floor, frequently entering production areas to collect samples from filler lines and process tanks. The environment involves routine use of laboratory instruments, autoclaves, glassware, reagents, and temperature and pH monitoring equipment.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.
Job Type & Location
Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.
Pay & Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.
Benefits
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident & 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)
EEO Statement
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr