Lab Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

The Lab Technician performs a full range of in‑house testing to support product quality, safety, and compliance in a GMP manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for testing raw materials and packaging components, preparing samples and reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment and documentation, and accurately entering and tracking results in electronic systems. The Lab Technician collaborates closely with production, quality, and external laboratories to ensure timely, reliable data and continuous improvement of laboratory processes.

• Perform all in-house laboratory testing and accurately enter results into the ERP system or provide results to designated personnel.
• Monitor receipts of raw materials and packaging components, conduct required quality tests, and release materials in the ERP system once specifications are met.
• Prepare samples for testing performed at outside laboratories and ensure proper labeling, documentation, and shipment.
• Prepare reagents and solutions needed for routine and specialized laboratory testing.
• Clean and maintain the laboratory and all lab equipment to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
• Perform calibration and periodic checks of laboratory equipment to maintain accuracy and compliance with GMP standards.
• Monitor laboratory supply inventory and initiate ordering of reagents, consumables, and other supplies to prevent stockouts.
• Review test results, notebooks, and laboratory worksheets in a timely manner to verify completeness, accuracy, and compliance with procedures.
• Update spreadsheets and databases to track test results, external testing status, and quality metrics for ongoing monitoring and reporting.
• Effectively communicate in-process quality results to production staff and other laboratory personnel to support manufacturing decisions.
• Conduct regular laboratory inspections to ensure adherence to safety, GMP, and housekeeping standards.
• Draft, review, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory worksheets, and related documentation to reflect current practices and regulatory expectations.
• Assist with training laboratory and production personnel on laboratory procedures, test methods, and documentation requirements.
• Communicate with outside laboratories, customers, and suppliers regarding testing needs, sample requirements, and result interpretation.
• Execute additional responsibilities and special projects as required to support laboratory operations and quality initiatives.

• Four-year science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, with a preference for a background in Chemistry or Organic Chemistry.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory, production, and quality teams.
• Hands-on industry experience in a chemistry laboratory using HPLC and wet chemistry methods, particularly in a food lab environment (required if candidate has a two-year science degree).
• Practical knowledge of GMP principles and the ability to work in a regulated lab environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including the ability to enter and manage data in ERP systems and spreadsheets.
• Experience performing manual testing and working in a lab environment focused on food quality, quality assurance, and technical accuracy.
• Ability to perform pH measurements and other routine analytical tests with precision.
• Attention to detail and strong documentation skills to ensure accurate test records and compliance with SOPs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry is preferred.
• Experience writing, reviewing, and maintaining SOPs and other technical documentation.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to manage and analyze laboratory data.
• background in quality, quality assurance, and food quality testing.
• Technical writing skills for clear and concise documentation of test methods and results.
• Ability to work effectively in a lab environment that interfaces closely with manufacturing and warehouse operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tests, priorities, and projects while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.

This position is based in a GMP manufacturing facility, and the Lab Technician works closely with quality control and production teams in a plant setting. The lab team consists of approximately nine members who rotate between three different laboratories located at multiple sites on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to regulated procedures. Safety glasses are required, and steel-toed shoes or boots may be needed when entering warehouse areas. As part of GMP requirements, contact lenses are not permitted, jewelry above the waist must be removed, and nail polish is not allowed. The role involves working with laboratory instruments such as HPLC and equipment used for wet chemistry and pH testing, as well as computers for ERP and Microsoft applications. Training and normal hours are typically day shift, either 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., following a 5-day, 8-hour schedule, with an initial training period of approximately 4–6 weeks. The culture emphasizes work-life balance, long-tenured team members, growth opportunities, and occasional paid lunches.

This is a Contract position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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 Cedar Rapids,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.