Sample Prep Technician
Actalent
Posted Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Posting ID: JP-006007786
Job Title: Sample Prep Technician
Job Description
The Sample Prep Technician works in a fast-paced food laboratory, preparing and managing samples so chemists can perform accurate testing. You support the prep staff by labeling containers, washing glassware, transporting samples, and reducing samples to powder or liquid form using specialized equipment and liquid nitrogen. This is a hands-on, highly repetitive role that requires strong attention to detail, precise documentation under GLP regulations, and the ability to stand for most of the day. Based on performance, you may have the opportunity to cross-train into other areas of the lab and pursue internal promotions.
Responsibilities
- Label containers and samples accurately to ensure proper identification and traceability throughout the testing process.
- Wash and clean glassware and vessels regularly to maintain a clean and organized prep area.
- Transport samples from the prep area to designated locations in the lab in a timely and accurate manner.
- Reduce samples to powder or liquid form using liquid nitrogen and a 5 lb hammer, following all company procedures and safety regulations.
- Perform repetitive tasks such as reducing, labeling, and storing samples while maintaining focus and consistency.
- Track and manage samples carefully to ensure accurate documentation and inventory of all materials handled.
- Follow GLP regulations and company documentation standards, recording all work clearly and accurately.
- Stand for the majority of the workday (approximately 90% or more) while performing sample preparation tasks.
- Use a 5 lb hammer to grind samples as part of the sample reduction process, including lifting and handling materials up to 40–50 lbs.
- Participate in vessel wash duties, including washing dishes and lab vessels approximately once a week.
- Support specialty tasks such as data entry, including taking pictures of samples and uploading them into computer files a few times per month.
- Assist in other specialty areas as needed, rotating into different roles based on workload and team needs.
- Work independently once trained, managing your tasks and time effectively while maintaining high quality standards.
- Collaborate with team members in the sample prep area to meet production goals and client timeframes.
- Remain flexible to perform additional job duties as assigned, including cross-training into other prep or sample management functions.
- Average approximately 5 hours of overtime per week, depending on workload and business needs.
Essential Skills
- Associates degree in Biotechnology with 2 years of industry lab experience, or a High School diploma with 3–4+ years of consistent work history in a repetitive work environment.
- Ability to lift and handle 40–50 lbs safely as part of daily sample preparation tasks.
- Strong attention to detail, especially in documentation and record-keeping under GLP regulations.
- Comfort working in a highly repetitive role while maintaining accuracy and quality.
- Ability to work independently after training, managing tasks with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated reliability and strong work ethic, supported by references when possible.
- At least 1 year of experience using Microsoft Word and Excel (experience gained through school is acceptable).
- Comfort working on your feet for 90% or more of the day in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness and flexibility to work approximately 5 hours of overtime per week based on workload.
- Experience or familiarity with lab assistant duties, sample preparation, solution preparation, sample management, sample receiving, and accessioning.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- lab sciences such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental science.
- Experience in inventory, warehouse, or other repetitive work environments where attention to detail and tracking is critical.
- Experience in roles such as restaurant or cook (back-of-house), pharmacy technician, landscaping, delivery driving, or assembly line work, particularly where repetitive tasks and physical work are involved.
- Comfort working with liquid nitrogen and following strict safety and handling procedures (training provided).
- Interest in growing into lab roles over time, including potential promotion into sample management, sample entry, or other laboratory positions.
- Strong communication skills to interact effectively with team members and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and rotate into different prep or specialty areas as business needs evolve.
Work Environment
This role is based in a modern, purpose-built laboratory facility in Madison, Wisconsin, designed specifically for food and dietary supplement testing. You work in the sample prep lab, which can be loud due to the pounding of hammers used in the sample reduction process, but maintains a fun and collaborative atmosphere. The environment is fast-paced and production-oriented, with clear client timeframes driving daily workload and priorities. You will stand for most of your shift (around 90% or more), frequently using a 5 lb hammer and handling materials up to 40–50 lbs. The prep lab uses liquid nitrogen and other lab equipment to reduce samples into powder or liquid form for testing. The team includes approximately 12–15 employees across first and second shifts in sample prep, within a larger operation of hundreds of employees and a significant laboratory staff. You may rotate into vessel wash and other specialty areas as needed, and occasionally perform desk-based tasks such as data entry and uploading sample photos. The lab offers clear paths for advancement, with opportunities to move from sample prep into other lab roles and specialty areas as you gain experience and demonstrate strong performance.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.17 - $20.17/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 Madison,WI.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 20, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
Contact Information
Email: csamal@actalentservices.com
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