Lab Assistant Jobs in Columbus, NE (NOW HIRING)

As a Lab Technician, you will be responsible for maintaining ongoing records of testing procedures, inputting data into the computer daily, and ensuring the accuracy of equipment readouts compared to standard samples. Your role is crucial in maintaining the cleanliness of the work area, adhering to safety standards, and fostering effective working relationships with colleagues.

• Maintain records of all testing procedures and input data into computer systems daily.
• Ensure adequate supplies for testing procedures and notify the supervisor when reordering is necessary.
• Compare equipment readouts with standard samples to ensure accurate operations.
• Keep the working area neat and clean, wash equipment as required, and store equipment properly.
• Foster effective working relationships with fellow employees.
• Perform duties safely, utilizing approved safety equipment, and complete all safety certification requirements.
• Adhere to all FDA, GMP, BATF, EPA, OSHA, and employer standards and guidelines.
• Conduct moisture, density, viscosity testing, and basic chemistry as outlined by SOPs.
• Perform analytical testing using instrumental and wet chemistry procedures, document results, and notify operations of required adjustments.
• Enter and report data using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Understand production processes and make quality recommendations to operators.
• Perform light maintenance and calibration on laboratory equipment.

• Quality control and assurance knowledge.
• Proficiency in GMP and laboratory procedures.
• Experience with analytical testing and data entry.
• Proficiency in chemistry, inspection, and sample management.
• Computer skills to operate lab instrument programs.
• Familiarity with commercial software applications like Excel and Word.
• Experience with lab documentation and standard lab equipment operation.
• Mathematical skills for lab testing calculations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills.

• Good attendance history and safety awareness.
• Previous plant experience.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and build teams.
• Proven housekeeping and sanitation skills.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to assume and learn new responsibilities.
• Physical capability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.

The role involves working swing shifts with a schedule of 3 days on, 2 off, 2 on, and 3 off, rotating to nights with the same pattern. The work consists of 12-hour shifts from 7 am to 7 pm. You will be on your feet for the entire shift with a 30-minute lunch break and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, NE.

The pay range for this position is $22.93 - $25.08/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 Columbus,NE.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.