Entry Level Laboratory Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

About Us

Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring & Technologies, LLC) is a DoD, NELAP, ANAB, and AIHA-accredited environmental laboratory providing high-integrity analytical data through state-of-the-art technology and validated testing methodologies. For more than 40 years, our work has supported initiatives that protect human health and the environment.

Our success is built on client partnerships and scientific excellence. We collaborate with environmental consultants, engineering firms, and government agencies to deliver reliable, timely analytical results that support regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. From wastewater testing in the greater Chicago area to nationwide projects with Department of Defense partners, our commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive our growth.

When you join Sterling Labs, you become part of a team of scientists, professionals, and technical specialists who share one purpose:

WE PRESERVE THE PLANET TO PROTECT THE FUTURE

This purpose shapes our culture, drives our decisions, and guides how we serve our clients and support one another. We believe that meaningful progress comes from integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement-principles that are reflected in our core values.

Our Core Values

• Integrity in Everything We Do -We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
• Customer Focused - We prioritize our clients' needs and value their feedback.
• We are never satisfied - We seek better ways to serve our clients and support our employees through innovation and growth.

At Sterling Labs, we know our employees are the foundation of our success. We strive to provide a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace where every individual is encouraged to learn, innovate, and advance.

Employee Benefits

Sterling Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our full-time employees:

• Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sterling Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Recruitment Notice

Sterling Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Please do not forward resumes to company email addresses or employees. Sterling Labs is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions.

Position Overview

The Laboratory Technician for Organic Extractions is responsible for performing a range of laboratory tasks including preparation, analysis, and testing of soil and water samples following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory methods. 

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shoot laboratory equipment. 
• Prepare samples, dilutions and splits for analysis according to the SOP. 
• Prepare and properly label reagents and standards 
• Complete general laboratory paperwork in logbooks, maintenance books, standard books, bench sheets, etc. 
• Properly dispose of samples according to the SOP. 
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment in good working order. 
• Communicate to your supervisor about the status of your workload as well as any data quality issues. 
• Assist your supervisor with root cause investigations to determine the source of issues (Corrective Actions Reports) and implement corrective actions needed to resolve those issues. 
• Other duties as determined by the department Team Lead. 

General Extractions Duties

• Prepare, digest, and analyze soil and water samples, ensuring consistency with Sterling Labs' SOPs.
• Use laboratory scales and manual pipettes for sample weighing and liquid transfer.
• Read meniscus lines on glassware and perform accurate spiking of samples using wire trawls. 
• Utilize various equipment such as turbovaps, burners, nitrogen evaporation to concentrate and extract samples from soil and water.

Soil (50%)

• Utilize sonicators for soil extractions for SVOC and TPH
• Utilize lab microwaves for extracting herbicides, pesticides, and PCBs

Waters (50%)

• Operate separatory funnel shakers for water sample extraction for further SVOC, TPH, PCBs, Pesticides and Herbicides analysis 
• Operate centrifuges for emulsion separation

Equipment and Instruments Used

Lab Scales, Fume hoods, Centrifuge, Funnel shakers, Wire trawl, Turbovaps, Burners, Nitrogen evaporation, Pipettes

Requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or biology.
• Ability to learn laboratory information systems (LIMS), databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and form conclusions.
• Highly organized, with an ability to follow specific rules and patterns for analysis and equipment setup.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing while preparing and extracting soil and water samples.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle pipettes, glassware, balances, wire trawls, and other laboratory instruments with precision.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move solvent containers, sample batches, and laboratory equipment weighing up to 30 pounds using proper and safe lifting techniques.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and stooping to access instruments, perform maintenance, or retrieve supplies.
• Must be able to visually read meniscus lines, monitor sample color changes, and inspect instrument displays accurately; specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work safely around organic solvents, compressed gases, acids, and other hazardous laboratory chemicals while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses.
• Ability to maintain sustained attention and precision during repetitive or detailed analytical and extraction procedures.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and coworkers regarding workload, safety, and data accuracy.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.