Research And Development Lab Technician Jobs in Indiana

Job Description

The Associate Lab Technician performs diagnostic clinical and clinical contract research testing under direct supervision in a high-volume testing laboratory. This role prepares and manages samples, operates multiple analyzers, and supports the preparation of laboratory reagents and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment. The position offers structured, hands-on training on several advanced analyzers and provides an excellent entry point for individuals seeking to build a career in a clinical or medical laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic clinical and clinical contract research testing under direct supervision in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare samples by supporting sample management activities, including sample identification, evaluation, labeling, processing, and centrifugation, especially during high-volume periods or when test volumes decrease.
• Test samples on four different analyzers to generate accurate and timely customer results, handling approximately 500 to 1,500 samples per analyzer in a given night when assigned to night operations.
• Understand and adhere to all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements, ensuring all testing and documentation meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Support the preparation of laboratory reagents according to scheduled timelines and maintain reagent inventories as needed.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance and calibration on laboratory equipment to ensure proper functioning and reliable test results.
• Participate in equipment validations and verification activities to confirm instruments are performing within required specifications.
• Perform routine sample testing and quality checks, following standard operating procedures and safety guidelines at all times.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, including proper handling and storage of samples, reagents, and equipment.
• Release final test results when authorized, in accordance with training, competency, and compliance requirements.
• Engage fully in the structured training program, including 1:1 training on each analyzer, followed by periods of supervised and independent practice.
• Collaborate with fellow technicians and sample management assistants to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of testing.
• Participate in ongoing performance feedback sessions and implement guidance to improve accuracy, efficiency, and professional development.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in a Life Science discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, OR completion of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) schooling with ASCP certification, OR completion of Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) schooling.
• Foundational knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, and/or microbiology as applied in a laboratory setting.
• Experience or education in laboratory sample preparation, including handling, labeling, and processing biological samples.
• Ability to perform sample management tasks such as sample identification, evaluation, and centrifugation according to standard procedures.
• Capability to learn and operate multiple analyzers and automated instruments in a high-throughput environment.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to regulatory, compliance, and safety requirements in all laboratory activities.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on laboratory equipment and analyzers.
• Comfort working with human biological samples (such as blood, tissue, or other specimens) in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Effective communication skills to work closely with trainers, fellow technicians, and sample management staff.
• Willingness to work scheduled shifts, including every other weekend and 1–2 holidays per year, as required by the laboratory schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Human biological testing experience with specimens such as blood, tissue, or urine.
• Blood banking experience, including blood typing or related blood bank laboratory activities.
• Biology laboratory internship or prior hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or clinical setting.
• Familiarity with centrifuges, pipettes, and common laboratory instruments.
• Exposure to or experience with qPCR instrumentation, gel electrophoresis, thermal cyclers, sequencers, and related molecular biology equipment.
• Experience using automated laboratory instruments such as hematology isolators, plate washers, coagulation analyzers, and flow cytometry-based equipment.
• Comfort working with laboratory equipment such as freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, and microscopes.
• Strong interest in developing a long-term career in a clinical or medical laboratory environment.
• Openness to continuous learning, including participation in ongoing education and training opportunities.
• Ability to engage positively with a culture that emphasizes continuous education, inclusion, and team-based performance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a testing laboratory that supports multiple regional blood centers and operates within a larger lab environment that includes reference, HLA (DNA testing), and testing labs. This position sits in the testing lab, which handles high volumes of diagnostic and contract research samples and supports multiple locations across several states. The laboratory uses four main analyzers, along with a wide range of supporting equipment. You will receive structured, 1:1 training over approximately six months, broken into four parts focused on each analyzer, with a few weeks of individual experience after each training segment. Training initially occurs on first shift (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for 3–4 months, after which you transition to the regular shift schedule. The standard shift for this role is first shift (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), with every other weekend required; when you work a weekend, you receive two days off during that week. You will work 1–2 holidays per year, typically one in the summer and one in the winter. On the third shift, you can expect to work alongside 4–5 other technicians and 3–4 sample management assistants, fostering a collaborative team environment. The lab uses advanced equipment including multiple analyzers, pipettes (single-channel, multi-channel, and electronic), centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pH meters, microscopes, automated instruments such as hematology isolators, plate washers, coagulation analyzers, and lab-specific equipment including flow cytometry-based systems, qPCR instruments, thermal cyclers, gel electrophoresis units, sequencers, and aggregometers. The dress code requires scrubs or business casual attire with long pants in the lab, along with comfortable, clean, closed-toe shoes. The organization promotes a supportive culture that values continuous education, offers opportunities to join committees focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and incorporates engaging activities to recognize performance. Team members receive regular performance feedback and touchpoints, with occasional shared meals to support communication and engagement, and the organization actively reviews and negotiates pay adjustments based on performance and market considerations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

The pay range for this position is $22.75 - $26.50/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 Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 9, 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.

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