Volunteer Biology Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician - 1st Shift

Job Description

The Lab Technician works in a laboratory, supporting both high-throughput and low-throughput sample processing. This role focuses on receiving and inspecting biological samples, performing initial quality checks, executing DNA extractions from a variety of plant and animal specimens, and preparing DNA-ready plates for downstream testing. The Lab Technician regularly uses automated laboratory equipment and a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to ensure accurate tracking and efficient processing of samples.

Responsibilities

• Receive and inspect incoming samples to confirm they meet minimum submission requirements
• Perform initial quality checks on all specimens and document findings to maintain high standards of sample quality and consistency.
• Carry out DNA extractions from a range of biological samples
• Upload, track, and manage sample information in the LIMS system to ensure accurate documentation and traceability throughout the workflow.
• Set up and operate pipettes, liquid handlers, extraction instruments, incubators, and other automated laboratory systems as part of the extraction process.
• Incubate samples for approximately 8 hours according to protocol, monitoring conditions and adjusting as needed to maintain sample quality.
• Transfer samples through automated extraction instruments, monitoring transitions between systems and instrument runs that typically last 15–20 minutes.
• Process DNA extractions into 96-well plates, with the ability to handle up to eight 96-well plates simultaneously in a production environment.
• Generate DNA-ready plates for downstream testing, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and readiness for subsequent analytical workflows.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related field
• Understanding of quality control, genetics, genomics, and basic biology concepts relevant to DNA extraction and sample processing
• Comfortable working with biologic samples
• Proficiency using pipettes, with preference for higher-volume workflows, and familiarity with liquid handlers, extraction instruments, incubators, and automated laboratory systems

Work Environment

This role is based in a production-oriented laboratory. The work involves frequent use of pipettes, liquid handlers, extraction instruments, incubators, and other automated laboratory systems. Standard hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with some flexibility, and access to the building is not permitted before 6:00 a.m.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middleton, WI.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Middleton,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.