Job Information
Actalent Lab Technician in Palo Alto, California
Job Title: Lab TechnicianJob Description
The Lab Technician prepares clinical specimens for laboratory testing within a fast-paced quality control environment at a blood center. This role focuses on receiving, accessioning, aliquoting, and processing samples, setting up and maintaining laboratory instruments, performing quality control measurements, and supporting the validation of instruments and procedures. The position offers exposure to infectious disease and hematology testing, close collaboration with Clinical Laboratory Scientists, and the opportunity to grow into more advanced laboratory roles over time.
Responsibilities
Prepare clinical samples and products for testing, including accessioning and processing, in strict accordance with established laboratory protocols.
Set up automated laboratory instruments, including programming instructions, arranging specimens and reagents, and configuring labware for scheduled runs.
Maintain laboratory instruments by replenishing reagents, performing cleaning procedures, and completing other routine maintenance tasks as required.
Prepare reagents for the laboratory as requested and change equipment supplies when needed to support continuous operations.
Document and transcribe quality control measures, including environmental readings, equipment function checks, and isolation quality control results.
Assist in the validation of instruments and methods by performing assigned procedures and documenting outcomes accurately.
Train backup staff on routine laboratory procedures and workflows, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Coordinate with supervisors to implement approved workflow changes and ensure smooth integration into daily operations.
Perform additional tasks assigned by laboratory leadership to support departmental needs and operational goals.
Respond to emergency staffing situations as requested, providing coverage and support during critical periods.
Assist or substitute for other laboratory team members when needed to maintain consistent operations across the department.
Order, receive, and stock laboratory supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels and proper storage conditions.
Perform general laboratory maintenance duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
Maintain sample inventories, including receipt, processing, storage, and disposal of samples in compliance with laboratory policies.
Update and manage computer databases for sample storage and tracking, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
Identify and correct errors in data entry to maintain the integrity and reliability of laboratory records.
Work closely with Clinical Laboratory Scientists in the quality control department to support testing of bloodwork for infectious diseases and white blood cells.
Adhere strictly to laboratory policies, procedures, and established protocols to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
Handle a large volume of samples accurately and efficiently while maintaining high attention to detail.
Essential Skills
College degree in Chemistry, Biology, Life Science, or a related field required; if an associate degree is held, a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is required.
If a bachelor’s degree is held, a minimum of 6 months of lab-based experience in a hospital, clinical, or research setting is required.
Hands-on experience with sample handling and quantitative chemical analysis, including assays or procedures of equivalent complexity.
Proficiency with basic laboratory procedures such as weighing and measuring volumes of chemicals, reagent preparation, pipetting, and centrifugation.
Experience operating laboratory instruments, including automated measurement instruments.
Ability to perform quality control tasks in a laboratory environment, particularly within a quality control or similar department.
Knowledge and practical use of computers, including moderately advanced Microsoft Excel skills beyond simple data entry.
Ability to understand, follow, and strictly adhere to laboratory policies, procedures, and established protocols.
Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to implement corrective actions when issues arise.
High attention to detail with the ability to accurately handle a large number of samples in a fast-paced setting.
Effective spoken and written communication skills in English with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, photocopier, fax, and related devices.
Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, without a fixed shift pattern.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in hematology, chemical analysis, and accessioning is highly preferred.
Prior experience working in a quality control department or similar regulated laboratory environment is beneficial.
Experience testing bloodwork for infectious disease and evaluating white blood cell parameters is advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced blood center or high-throughput laboratory setting.
Comfort working as part of a team where all staff may be designated as leads, even without formal lead responsibilities.
Interest in professional growth within the laboratory field, including the potential to advance into a Clinical Laboratory Scientist role.
Ability to adapt to changing demands and shift assignments based on operational needs.
Strong organizational skills to manage sample inventories, documentation, and supply stocking efficiently.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced blood center within a quality control department, working closely with Clinical Laboratory Scientists on infectious disease and hematology-related testing. The work involves frequent interaction with automated laboratory instruments, reagents, and high volumes of clinical specimens. Typical coverage includes evening hours, with a preferred shift of approximately 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., though schedules may vary based on operational demand, and weekend work is required. The position does not follow a fixed schedule, and flexibility to work varying shifts is essential. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to laboratory protocols, quality control standards, and accurate documentation. Team members use computers, laboratory equipment, and standard office devices daily, and work in a structured, process-driven setting that supports internal promotion and career growth within the laboratory.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 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.