Lab Associate Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician runs the molecular pipeline in a diagnostic laboratory while supporting physical work in an inoculum production lab. The role involves working with a wide range of plant pathogens and plant species, performing molecular and immunological assays, and accurately interpreting diagnostic results. Throughout most of the year, time is split between the diagnostic and inoculum production labs, with the summer season focused primarily on diagnostic lab activities.

Responsibilities

• Run the molecular diagnostic pipeline to support accurate and timely plant pathology testing.
• Perform physical lab work to support inoculum production, including preparation, handling, and processing of materials.
• Work with a variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plant pathogens, and plant tissues such as wheat and other crops.
• Apply and maintain sterile and aseptic techniques in all laboratory procedures to prevent contamination.
• Culture organisms and run assays using ELISA and PCR to detect and identify plant pathogens.
• Perform DNA and RNA extractions from plant and microbial samples for downstream molecular analyses.
• Use microscopy to observe samples and identify pathogens based on morphological characteristics.
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory protocols consistently and accurately.
• Read, analyze, and interpret assay results, including ELISA and PCR outputs, to support diagnostic conclusions.
• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results clearly and accurately in lab records.
• Collaborate with team members during training and routine work to ensure consistent and high-quality laboratory practices.
• Support seasonal diagnostic workloads, particularly during the busy May–November period, by managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in biotechnology or a related field, or
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related discipline.
• Preferred: At least 1 year of laboratory experience outside of academic coursework, or strong, demonstrable college laboratory experience.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 40 pounds, as part of inoculum production and general lab duties.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in plant pathology and diagnosing diseases in diverse plant species.
• Experience working with plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and other organisms affecting crops.
• Experience working with agricultural or plant-related samples such as corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum.
• Strong organizational skills to manage work split between diagnostic and inoculum production labs.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a laboratory team.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving diagnostic methods and technologies.

Work Environment

The role is based in a diagnostic and inoculum production laboratory that focuses on plant pathology and agricultural diagnostics. You will work with a wide variety of plant species, including corn, soybean, wheat, sorghum, and other crops, as well as bacteria, fungi, and plant pathogens. Training occurs directly with experienced team members, providing hands-on guidance in both molecular diagnostics and inoculum production. The position requires the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks as part of routine lab operations. The busy season runs from May through November, during which workload and sample volume increase significantly. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with flexibility in start and end times as long as the schedule remains consistent.

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Johnston,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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.