Weekend Biology Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Lab Analyst

Job Description

The Environmental Lab Analyst evaluates and processes environmental samples to ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards. This role performs routine and specialized bacteriological and analytical testing, supports infectious disease surveillance through wastewater analysis, and contributes to method development and continuous improvement within a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Accession and evaluate environmental samples to confirm compliance with holding times and established acceptance criteria.
• Conduct routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures and documented quality control protocols.
• Perform analytical testing across various sample types and matrices, serving as a lead analyst when assigned.
• Recommend adjustments or enhancements to established analytical methods to address complex or challenging samples.
• Participate in Food Emergency Response Network activities, including testing for organisms such as E. coli, Listeria, and other bacteria.
• Perform wastewater testing to support infectious disease surveillance initiatives.
• Apply aseptic technique and proper plating methods to ensure accurate microbiological results.
• Document all testing activities accurately and maintain organized records in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Follow quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure reliability and reproducibility of data.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory colleagues to coordinate sample processing and meet turnaround times.
• Communicate effectively with team members regarding sample status, testing issues, and method improvements.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Support weekend and overtime testing needs as scheduled to ensure continuity of laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry, biology, or microbiology.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, biology, or microbiology with practical lab skills.
• Proficiency in routine bacteriological testing using standardized procedures.
• Ability to apply aseptic technique consistently to prevent contamination.
• Experience with analytical chemistry methods and quality control practices.
• Skill in microbiological plating and handling various sample types and matrices.
• Attention to detail in sample accessioning, evaluation, and documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols while recognizing when method adjustments may be needed.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple samples and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating within a laboratory team.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality assurance standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Four-year degree in life sciences required; majors such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry are preferred.
• Experience working in a quality assurance or quality control-focused laboratory environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with infectious disease surveillance or public health-related testing is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support weekend or overtime work when requested.
• Comfort working in a collaborative team setting with multiple laboratory professionals.

Work Environment

This is a lab-based role that involves physical activity throughout the day in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with rotating weekend shifts every other weekend. Weekend hours typically include Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday for 2–4 hours, depending on sample arrival. During weeks that include weekend work, an equivalent amount of time off during a weekday is provided, with the specific day and hours predetermined on the schedule and varying from week to week. Some weekend or overtime work may be requested to meet testing demands. The work setting includes frequent standing, walking, and stair climbing to collect and process samples, along with a combination of sitting and movement across multiple lab stations. The pace is fast, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. The lab team consists of nine other professionals who work closely together to manage sample flow and maintain high-quality results. Typical laboratory attire is required in accordance with safety protocols, including appropriate personal protective equipment.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Iowa City,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.