Job Title: Lab TechnicianJob Description
This role performs routine and non-routine analytical testing on food samples to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with established standards. The lab technician conducts chemical and microbiological analyses, maintains accurate documentation in line with GMP, SOP, and HACCP requirements, and supports quality assurance activities within a food industry environment. The position contributes to continuous improvement of testing methods and laboratory workflows while strictly adhering to safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines.
Responsibilities
Perform routine and non-routine analytical tests on samples using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety.
Carry out microbiological analyses on food ingredients and products to support product safety and compliance with quality standards.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all test results and laboratory activities in accordance with GMP, SOPs, and HACCP requirements.
Follow established laboratory procedures, quality assurance protocols, and quality control methods to ensure reliable and reproducible test results.
Support cross-functional investigations by providing analytical data, documentation, and technical insight as needed.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, documentation practices, and laboratory workflows.
Ensure laboratory equipment is used correctly, handled safely, calibrated as required, and maintained in good working condition.
Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while working in the laboratory.
Collaborate with quality assurance and other teams to support testing of food ingredients for QA purposes.
Document and communicate test findings clearly to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
Essential Skills
Demonstrated ability to perform routine and non-routine analytical tests using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety.
Experience in quality assurance or quality control within the food industry, or a food science degree (open to recent graduates).
Hands-on experience with HACCP and the ability to work in accordance with HACCP requirements.
Skills in testing food ingredients for quality assurance purposes.
Foundational knowledge of chemistry and microbiology as applied in a laboratory setting.
Strong documentation skills with the ability to maintain accurate, complete, and timely records in line with GMP and SOPs.
Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and quality assurance protocols.
Attention to detail and strong analytical mindset for interpreting test results.
Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment and handle chemical and microbiological materials safely.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Food science degree or related scientific discipline, particularly suited to recent graduates seeking a laboratory-based role.
Prior quality assurance experience in the food industry.
SQF experience or familiarity with SQF standards, preferred.
Experience with microbiological testing methods for food products and ingredients.
Bilingual communication skills, which can support collaboration and documentation.
General chemistry laboratory experience, including safe handling of chemicals and use of standard lab equipment.
Experience working under formal quality systems such as GMP, SOPs, and HACCP.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tests and documentation requirements concurrently.
Work Environment
This position operates in a laboratory environment within the food industry, working primarily with chemical and microbiological testing of food ingredients and products. The role is scheduled on a second shift, Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The lab uses standard analytical equipment for measuring pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety, and follows structured quality systems such as GMP, SOPs, HACCP, and potentially SQF. Team members adhere to strict safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while handling samples, reagents, and equipment. The work environment emphasizes precision, cleanliness, and compliance with established laboratory and quality assurance procedures.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Elmwood Park,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.
