Overnight Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Lab Analyst – Newborn Screening (Overnight Shift)

Job Description

This role performs high-complexity newborn screening testing on dried blood spot specimens to help identify infants at risk for inherited conditions. You will operate a variety of analytical methods, ensure accurate and timely test results, and support quality assurance activities in a 24/7 laboratory that processes newborn samples from multiple states. This position plays a critical role in enabling early diagnosis and treatment for newborns who may require urgent medical care.

Responsibilities

• Perform newborn screening testing on blood spot specimens using immunoassay, enzyme assay, electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), tandem mass spectrometry, and molecular methods.
• Operate, monitor, and perform daily operation and routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform calibration of laboratory instruments and assist in troubleshooting instrument and method performance issues.
• Document and review newborn screening test data, procedures, and results with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Release test data and reports for use by physicians, health care professionals, and newborn screening medical follow-up teams, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and assist in preparing documentation for test verification and validation studies.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance procedures in accordance with established standard operating procedures and policies.
• Recognize basic problems in laboratory methods and performance, document issues, and assist in troubleshooting to resolve them.
• Assemble and organize quality control data for further analysis, recognize trends or problems, and participate in root cause analysis.
• Initiate and document corrective actions in response to identified quality issues and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
• Rotate through three separate testing areas, performing assigned testing in one area per shift and moving to a different area on subsequent shifts.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and regulatory requirements while handling specimens, reagents, and equipment.
• Collaborate with a small overnight team to ensure continuous coverage and timely completion of newborn screening tests.
• Use downtime productively by engaging in additional training, cross-training in different testing areas, and enhancing technical knowledge.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Genetics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eligibility under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) qualifications for high complexity testing, including at least 6 semesters of Biology and 6 semesters of Chemistry.
• At least 3 months of hands-on laboratory experience, which may include work performed in a laboratory setting during school, beyond standard coursework-only lab classes.
• Strong foundational knowledge in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetics.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including handling biological specimens and using standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform and interpret quality control and quality assurance procedures in alignment with laboratory policies.
• Attention to detail and strong documentation skills for recording test data, procedures, and results.
• Ability to recognize and troubleshoot basic laboratory method and instrument performance problems.
• Willingness and ability to work overnight shifts (9:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.) on a rotating 5-on, 4-off schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements for high-complexity testing.
• Effective communication skills to interact with team members and support accurate reporting of test results.
• Basic computer literacy for data entry, documentation, and instrument interfaces.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) or Medical Lab Technologist credential is highly desirable.
• Associate’s degree candidates may be considered if they meet CLIA requirements for high complexity testing.
• Six months to one year of related newborn screening (NBS) laboratory experience is preferred.
• Basic experience with immunoassay techniques in a clinical or research laboratory setting.
• Basic experience with mass spectrometry and related analytical techniques.
• Basic experience with molecular biology techniques, such as DNA or RNA-based assays.
• Completion of college-level coursework in human genetics is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) processes in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small team on overnight shifts.
• Interest in and commitment to work that directly impacts the health and treatment of newborns.

Work Environment

This position is based in a high-throughput clinical laboratory that operates 24/7 and tests dried blood spot samples from newborns across multiple states. When babies are born, a heel-prick blood sample is collected, dried on a card, and sent to the lab for analysis; this team is responsible for testing those specimens rapidly to identify potential inherited disorders that may require immediate treatment. The laboratory uses advanced technologies including immunoassay platforms, enzyme assays, electrophoresis systems, HPLC, tandem mass spectrometry, and molecular testing methods. The role follows an overnight schedule with hours from 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., using a rotating 5-on, 4-off pattern. This schedule includes weekends and holidays, and the lab offers flexibility to accommodate specific weekend-off requests when possible. New hires typically complete the first one to two weeks of training on a daytime schedule (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before transitioning to nights. You will work closely with a small team of about seven people on the overnight shift and rotate among three distinct testing areas, remaining in one area per shift and moving to another on subsequent nights. There can be periods of downtime while instruments run; during these times, team members are encouraged to pursue additional training and cross-training opportunities. The environment is structured, process-driven, and mission-focused, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, and quality. The dress code requires long pants and closed-toe shoes, consistent with standard laboratory safety practices.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ankeny, IA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Ankeny,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.