Lab Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician will prepare and analyze food-related samples using wet chemistry techniques to support the production of vitamin and mineral premixes and specialty enzyme-based ingredient blends. This role focuses on testing raw materials and finished goods, generating precise and reliable analytical data, maintaining laboratory instruments, and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process food samples for analysis, primarily using wet chemistry methods such as pH measurements, titrations, and acid–base preparations.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks competently and independently, including weighing, pipetting, and volumetric dilutions for sample preparation.
• Conduct wet chemistry tests on raw materials and finished goods to support quality control of vitamin/mineral blends, premixes, and specialty food ingredients.
• Generate precise, reliable, and reproducible analytical data in a timely manner to support production and quality assurance needs.
• Troubleshoot experiments and laboratory instrumentation to resolve issues and maintain data integrity.
• Maintain instrument calibration and ensure equipment is functioning properly according to laboratory standards.
• Learn and eventually operate ICP-MS instrumentation, following established methods and procedures.
• Handle analytical instruments such as HPLC and other related equipment as needed to support laboratory testing.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials and controlled compounds, and GMP compliance where applicable.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements in daily laboratory activities.
• Perform general laboratory housekeeping, including cleaning, disinfecting, sweeping, mopping, organizing, and maintaining the overall aesthetics of the lab.
• Collaborate with production and other internal teams by communicating test results and supporting ongoing projects.
• Perform other related laboratory duties as assigned to support the growth and development of the lab.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on wet chemistry experience, including pH measurement, titrations, and acid–base preparation.
• Ability to perform sample preparation techniques such as weighing, pipetting, and volumetric dilutions with high accuracy.
• Analytical laboratory experience with instruments such as HPLC, ICP, ICP-MS, AA, or similar analytical technologies.
• Understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Capability to work alone and independently without direct supervision while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and interact effectively with team members.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for reporting data and collaborating with others.
• Responsive problem-solving skills and an action-oriented mindset to address laboratory challenges quickly and effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel, for data entry, manipulation, and basic analysis.
• 1–2 years of laboratory experience, preferably with analytical laboratory exposure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (such as chemistry, biochemistry, or related sciences) is beneficial.
• Experience working in food, beverage, or related ingredient manufacturing environments is an advantage.
• Experience in quality control testing for raw materials and finished goods is preferred.
• Familiarity with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other analytical instruments used in chemical analysis.
• Comfort working as the first dedicated laboratory hire and interest in growing into a lab lead or manager role as the lab expands.
• Ability to collaborate with production teams and administrative staff in a small, closely knit organization.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate and reproducible analytical data.

Work Environment

The position is a first-shift schedule typically running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The work involves regular use of wet chemistry techniques and analytical instruments such as HPLC and ICP-MS, with a strong emphasis on GMP and GLP compliance, safety, and cleanliness. The laboratory environment requires comfort working independently, maintaining a high level of organization, and upholding a professional, neat appearance appropriate for a food-related manufacturing and quality control setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendale Heights, IL.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/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 Glendale Heights,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 1, 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.