Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Lab Processor prepares and processes highly sensitive samples under stringent standard operating procedures in a regulated cleanroom environment. This role supports critical testing for confidential government work by ensuring meticulous sample handling, precise documentation, and consistent adherence to laboratory and regulatory standards. The position offers extensive one-on-one training, exposure to specialized instrumentation, and the opportunity to deepen expertise in both cleanroom and industrial laboratory processes within a stable, niche organization that values work-life balance and collaboration.

• Process and prepare samples in strict accordance with established standard operating procedures and directions from leadership.
• Work within a Class 5 cleanroom environment and consistently follow all cleanroom procedures to prepare specialized samples based on client-specific requirements.
• Thoroughly clean and maintain laboratory equipment on a weekly basis to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination between samples.
• Prepare, organize, and stock laboratory and cleanroom supplies to ensure continuous readiness for testing activities.
• Monitor, maintain, and coordinate routine service for laboratory equipment and instruments while following applicable standards.
• Order laboratory and cleanroom supplies as needed to support ongoing operations and prevent shortages.
• Gown up in required personal protective equipment, including full cleanroom suit, bonnet, gloves, and other items as required by procedures.
• Accurately document all work performed in accordance with applicable regulatory and internal documentation requirements.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation such as hoods, centrifuges, ovens, ashers, stir plates, pipettors, and microscopes with a high degree of precision.
• Handle and process highly confidential government samples with exceptional care, discretion, and accuracy.
• Perform sample preparation at a microscopic level, ensuring detailed, precise, and reliable results that meet strict turnaround expectations.
• Collaborate closely with other lab processors and cross-functional team members to coordinate workflows and share information.
• Ask clarifying questions, offer suggestions for process improvements, and contribute constructively to problem-solving discussions.
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities when rush projects arise and effectively reprioritize tasks to meet urgent deadlines.
• Participate fully in extensive one-on-one training, including shadowing, teach-back, and hands-on practice, and apply learned techniques consistently.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work area that aligns with good laboratory practices and cleanroom standards.

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Knowledge and practical application of good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Hands-on experience using laboratory equipment such as fume hoods, centrifuges, ovens, ashers, stir plates, pipettors, and microscopes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cleanroom setting or strong readiness to follow cleanroom protocols.
• Strong dexterity and fine motor skills to perform detailed, microscopic-level sample preparation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in both laboratory work and documentation.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and consistently execute repetitive tasks with precision.
• Comfort working with confidential and highly sensitive samples under strict procedural controls.
• Ability to collaborate and work cross-functionally with other team members in a laboratory environment.
• Openness to asking questions, seeking clarification, and giving thoughtful suggestions to improve processes.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and rush projects, with the ability to reprioritize work quickly and effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry with 1–2 years of laboratory experience, or an associate degree in biology or chemistry with 3–5 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with FDA or similar regulatory requirements is a plus.
• Experience working with GLP-regulated processes or environments is beneficial.
• Comfort working within a highly niche, small-company environment with a stable structure and limited emphasis on hierarchical titles.
• Willingness to think creatively, challenge assumptions constructively, and avoid defaulting to agreement when improvements are possible.
• Interest in learning the industrial side of the business over time after gaining experience in the cleanroom role.
• Patience and commitment to a long training period, with a willingness to stay in the role for 2–3 years to fully leverage the training investment.
• Strong communication skills to participate in teach-back training and collaborate with trainers and peers.

This is a first-shift, Monday–Friday position with a flexible start time, generally between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., aligned initially with a trainer’s schedule during the training period. Once fully trained, you may select a start time within this range and work an eight-hour day with a 30-minute unpaid lunch. There is no required overtime and no weekend work. The role is based in a Class 5 cleanroom environment, where you will wear strict personal protective equipment, including a full cleanroom bunny suit, gloves, and hair or beard covering, in accordance with cleanroom protocols. You will work closely with two other lab processors and collaborate with a small, approximately 55-person team in a family-oriented, niche organization that emphasizes strong culture, work-life balance, and long-term stability. The work involves handling highly confidential government samples that require extremely detailed, accurate preparation at a microscopic level and can be repetitive, but it is supported by extensive one-on-one training that can last six months or longer. The organizational structure is relatively flat, with limited title progression but significant opportunities to learn, develop specialized expertise, and eventually gain exposure to the industrial side of the business. The culture encourages questions, suggestions, cross-functional collaboration, creative thinking, and adaptability to rush projects and changing priorities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of La Grange, IL.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/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 La Grange,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.

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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.

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