Entry Level Lab Jobs in Columbia, MO (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The QC Lab Analyst supports quality testing activities within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment that produces personal care, over-the-counter (OTC), and consumer product formulations. In this role, you perform analytical and wet chemistry testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products while ensuring full compliance with FDA and GMP requirements. You contribute directly to product release decisions, method execution, and validation activities, and collaborate closely with Quality, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, GC, and Ion Chromatography (IC) instrumentation to support product release and quality control decisions.
• Conduct routine wet chemistry and physical testing, including pH, viscosity, density, loss on drying (LOD), color, odor, and appearance measurements.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and assist in resolving equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain testing accuracy.
• Utilize automated laboratory equipment, including autotitrators, to perform precise and efficient analyses.
• Support testing of OTC and personal care products in accordance with applicable quality standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Document all testing activities accurately and completely in compliance with GMP and FDA requirements, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Review analytical results and communicate findings clearly with Quality, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional departments to support timely decision-making.
• Support method execution and validation-related activities as needed, contributing to the development and improvement of analytical methods.
• Participate in cross-training opportunities across analytical, raw materials, and microbiology laboratories to expand capabilities and provide flexible support.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory safety guidelines at all times while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant work area.
• Work independently on an off-shift schedule while collaborating effectively with a small team of laboratory colleagues.

Essential Skills

• Experience performing laboratory testing in a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, consumer products, food, chemical, or related environment, OR formal education or technical training in a scientific discipline.
• Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or technical training in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Chemical Technology, or a related scientific field.
• Solid understanding of chromatography principles and laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to follow SOPs and operate effectively within a GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for laboratory methods and instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently on an off-shift schedule while meeting testing deadlines and quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional groups.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities in a dynamic production environment.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.
• Ability to take direction and work effectively as part of a team in a collaborative quality organization.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with HPLC, GC, and/or Ion Chromatography systems.
• GMP-regulated laboratory experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience working in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with method validation activities, including execution and documentation.
• Microbiology laboratory experience, such as plating, media preparation, or microbial testing.
• Experience in analytical chemistry, wet chemistry, and general laboratory practices.
• Quality control experience within a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional departments and quality teams.

Work Environment

This is a great entry-level opportunity to build hands-on laboratory experience in a GMP- and FDA-regulated manufacturing environment while learning from experienced professionals. The role includes training, cross-training, and collaboration with a supportive lab team. This position works overnights.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, MO.

The pay range for this position is $26.19 - $26.19/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.