Science Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lab Analyst

Job Description

As a Lab Analyst, you will be responsible for the receipt, identification, and preparation of samples, ensuring that incoming samples are labeled correctly and the appropriate analyses have been requested. You will prepare and analyze samples according to ISO work instructions, prioritize analyses according to customer needs, and coordinate projects in a high throughput lab environment. You will obtain analytical data, ensure data integrity, and work efficiently within multi-discipline teams to deliver laboratory results.

Responsibilities

• Receive, identify, and prepare samples, ensuring correct labeling and requested analyses.
• Perform sample preparation and analysis following ISO work instructions.
• Prioritize analyses based on customer needs and lab capacity.
• Organize and coordinate projects in a high throughput lab environment.
• Obtain and ensure the integrity of analytical data.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver efficient laboratory results.
• Follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform job functions.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Chemistry, Fermentation, and Seed Testing.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, NIR, and Biology.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, or biochemistry preferred.
• Directly applicable work history or internships in relevant fields.
• Ability to function effectively in multi-discipline teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with total combustion analysis, elemental analysis, and calorimetry.
• Familiarity with Gas Chromatography (GC), NIR Spectroscopy, and NMR.
• Experience with total oil analysis, colorimetry, falling number, farinograph, and mixograph.
• Competence in bench-top wet chemical analyses and LIMS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment

This position is based in a well-equipped lab located in Ankeny. The lab maintains a casual dress code, requiring close-toed leather shoes, lab coats, and nitrile or neoprene gloves. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with the possibility of extending to 4 PM. The environment is fast-paced, emphasizing high communication and teamwork. Candidates are expected to follow established SOPs and safety and GMP guidelines without the need for innovation.

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

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 Ankeny,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 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.