Forensic Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

This part-time Medical Lab Assistant role supports a high-volume clinical laboratory that processes at-home testing kits. You work directly with human urine and blood specimens, ensuring accurate receiving, sorting, labeling, and data entry into the laboratory information system. You help prepare and organize samples for testing, assist with strip manufacturing activities, and support the overall workflow of the lab so that patients receive timely and reliable results.

Responsibilities

• Receive and quarantine all incoming specimen packages in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Open, sort, and organize specimens, ensuring each sample is handled safely and appropriately.
• Check specimens against defined acceptance criteria and identify any issues or discrepancies.
• Separate and properly code all non-testable specimens, following established protocols.
• Enter and verify (accession) all specimen information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) with a high degree of accuracy.
• Collect, label, and prepare all specimens and kit samples for laboratory technicians.
• Assist in strip manufacturing duties, including cutting and preparing strips for coating.
• Cut and coat kit samples as required to support diagnostic testing workflows.
• Receive and log deliveries of laboratory supplies, ensuring inventory records remain up to date.
• Assist with manual entry and verification of laboratory results into the appropriate systems.
• Notify the supervisor promptly of any potential deviations from documented procedures or quality standards.
• Follow all laboratory safety, specimen handling, and documentation protocols.
• Perform other laboratory support duties as assigned by laboratory leadership to maintain efficient operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated comfort handling human specimens, including urine and blood, in a laboratory setting.
• Strong attention to detail when sorting, labeling, and processing specimens.
• High level of comfort using computers, software systems, and AI-based platforms for data entry and verification.
• Accurate data entry skills, including accessioning specimen information into a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Ability to read, write, and speak English to follow procedures and document information clearly.
• Experience with specimen processing, including sample preparation, inspection, labeling, and collection.
• Basic laboratory skills such as pipetting and routine sample handling.
• Minimum of an associate degree in a science-related field (for example, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background or coursework in laboratory science, chemistry, biology, forensic science, or medical-related fields.
• Familiarity with diagnostic testing workflows and specimen accessioning processes.
• Comfort working with AI-based and other modern digital platforms in a laboratory environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in a science field is preferred, as it may enable future growth into more hands-on testing responsibilities based on work ethic, performance, reliability, and laboratory needs.
• Reliability and consistent attendance to support fixed scheduling requirements.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative, team-oriented laboratory environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office building that houses a call center, clinical laboratory, quality department, and clerical operations, providing exposure to multiple aspects of the testing process. You work on a fixed part-time schedule: Sunday through Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the possibility of extending to Sunday through Thursday if business needs require; the schedule cannot be changed, and initial training is typically about one week on the same hours. The laboratory environment involves routine handling of human specimens with appropriate safety protocols and use of laboratory equipment and information systems. Dress attire includes long pants, a t-shirt, and closed-toe shoes, with lab coats worn when handling specimens. The culture emphasizes a supportive, family-style team environment, with regular staff events, lab week celebrations, dress-down days, talent and fashion shows, contests, and company-provided food for special occasions. Holiday pay and vacation time, including five paid holidays, are part of the overall benefits, and there is potential for growth into more hands-on laboratory work for candidates who demonstrate strong performance and hold relevant degrees.

This is a Contract position based out of Hoffman Estates, IL.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Hoffman Estates,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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 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 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.