Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Lab Assistant

Job Description

The Lab Assistant supports plant research by collecting samples from soybean and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis in a controlled growth chamber facility. This role follows established research protocols, maintains a clean and safe work environment, and contributes to ongoing scientific projects that require high attention to detail and consistent performance against defined metrics.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples of soybean and wheat plants and tissues for DNA analysis in accordance with internal research protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Handle plant material accurately and consistently to ensure the integrity and reliability of DNA analysis results.
• Use tools such as tweezers and other laboratory instruments to perform precise, repetitive tasks related to seed chipping, plant handling, and sample preparation.
• Maintain facility cleanliness by following established cleaning routines and adhering to laboratory and greenhouse safety standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working in growth chambers, laboratory areas, and greenhouse environments.
• Work with plants growing in the chamber facility as needed, including tasks related to plant care, handling, and preparation for research activities.
• Meet established performance metrics for task completion, accuracy, and quality while maintaining a strong focus on detail.
• Follow established protocols and procedures for all research activities, documenting work as required.
• Perform hands-on physical work that includes repetitive gripping and squeezing, bending, reaching, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Work assigned weekend shifts on a rotating schedule and support research activities on company holidays as needed.
• Collaborate with team members and adapt to changing workload demands, including busy and slower periods throughout the year.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the laboratory, greenhouse, and growth chamber operations.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma.
• Science experience through education and/or experience.
• Research experience with the ability to follow established protocols and procedures accurately.
• High attention to detail and the ability to meet established metrics for task performance.
• Experience working in laboratory, greenhouse, or seed chipping environments.
• Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks such as gripping, squeezing, and using tweezers for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, stand, and sit for extended periods while performing physical work.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work assigned weekend shifts on a rotating basis.
• Willingness to work on company holidays as needed.
• Comfort working in warm conditions (approximately 80–85 degrees) inside growth chambers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher, preferably in a science-related field, is preferred.
• Prior experience in a research laboratory, greenhouse, or controlled environment facility.
• Familiarity with seed chipping processes and working with plant materials.
• Strong reliability and consistency in following detailed instructions and protocols.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and adapt to changing schedules and workloads.
• Interest in long-term contract opportunities with potential consideration for full-time roles in a large organization.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, fully climate-controlled facility that houses 32 growth chambers where soybean plants are grown under carefully managed conditions. The growth chambers maintain warm conditions, typically around 80–85 degrees and sunny, so you must be comfortable working in a warm environment for extended periods. The position involves physical work, including standing on your feet for most of an 8-hour shift, performing repetitive motions with tools such as tweezers, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. The workweek is generally Monday through Friday, with typical hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., totaling approximately 35–40 hours per week. Workload may vary slightly, but the role is primarily full time. Weekend work is expected on a rotating basis, typically 2 weekends out of every 5, with shifts on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; when a weekend is worked, a weekday off is scheduled beforehand. Schedules are planned a couple of months in advance, and team members can sign up for weekend slots that fit their availability. The position is part of an open-ended, long-term contract opportunity, with a busy season of about four months and the potential for continued employment beyond that for strong performers. The dress code is casual, with jeans, a work-appropriate shirt, and closed-toe shoes required for safety and comfort in the laboratory and growth chamber areas.

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, 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 Johnston,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 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.