Clinical Laboratory Technician (Mass Spectrometry/Entry-Level Chemistry)
Job Description
The Clinical Mass Spectrometry Technician performs complex analyses on blood, tissue, and other body fluids to support healthcare providers in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating patients. This role operates within specialized clinical laboratories and involves both highly skilled manual techniques and automated testing using sophisticated instrumentation such as HPLC, LC/MS/MS, and GC/MS. The technician ensures accurate and timely test results, supports assay optimization and instrument performance, and contributes to a high-quality, fast-paced clinical testing environment with clear opportunities for long-term career growth.
Responsibilities
Perform clinical laboratory testing on blood, tissue, and body fluids to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized laboratory instruments, with a primary focus on HPLC, LC/MS/MS, and GC/MS systems.
Troubleshoot instrumentation and assay systems to resolve technical issues and minimize downtime.
Evaluate test runs and results for accuracy, precision, and reliability, following established quality control procedures.
Assist with interpreting test results and ensure that findings are clearly and accurately documented.
Use multiple computer systems and laboratory information systems to retrieve patient data, enter results, and generate reports.
Support operational activities to optimize testing workflows, including reagent preparation, instrument setup, and daily maintenance tasks.
Adhere strictly to all laboratory safety protocols when working with infectious specimens, chemicals, and other laboratory hazards.
Follow established standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements for clinical laboratory testing.
Collaborate closely with laboratory colleagues and other healthcare professionals to ensure efficient, high-quality service.
Manage multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain accuracy under time constraints in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Accommodate scheduling adjustments, including off-shifts, holidays, on-call assignments, and weekend work as needed.
Assist with specimen collection when required, ensuring proper identification, handling, and processing.
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the laboratory and support career development pathways in instrumentation, quality assurance, management, or education.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a human biological science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Animal Science, Marine Biology, or Neuroscience.
Chemistry or Biochemistry degree strongly preferred.
Experience working with laboratory instrumentation such as GC, LC, HPLC, or MS is preferred.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and assay systems.
Capability to produce accurate and reliable results under time constraints.
Ability to multi-task and perform effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Strong communication skills and ability to work closely and collaboratively with others.
Willingness and ability to work off-shifts, holidays, on-call, and weekends as required.
Strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols when handling infectious specimens, chemicals, and other hazards.
Proficiency with computer systems used for data retrieval, result entry, and reporting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Master's degree accepted; PhD not required.
Experience with laboratory practices in a college, research, or clinical setting is a plus but not required.
Background or coursework in medical laboratory testing, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields is beneficial.
Familiarity with quality control principles and practices in a laboratory environment is advantageous.
Interest in pursuing one of several career progression pathways, including Instrumentation Technical Specialist, Quality Assurance, Management, or Education.
Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting assays and instrumentation.
Ability to adapt to evolving laboratory processes and technologies.
Work Environment
This role is based in a specialized clinical laboratory that utilizes advanced analytical technologies, including HPLC, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS, and other sophisticated instrumentation. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a strong focus on accuracy, safety, and collaboration. Multiple full-time positions are available. Team members must be open to second and third shifts and weekend availability to support current and future openings. The laboratory follows strict safety protocols for handling infectious specimens and chemicals, and staff work closely as a team to maintain high standards of patient care and test quality. The organization offers strong career growth potential with clearly defined progression pathways and provides practical benefits such as complimentary bus passes for contract employees, contributing to an accessible and supportive work environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/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 Rochester,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.
