Sample Prep Technician

About the role

The Sample Prep Technician supports a busy food testing laboratory by preparing and managing samples so chemists can perform accurate testing. You will label and track samples, reduce them to powder or liquid form using specialized tools and liquid nitrogen, and ensure all work follows strict documentation and regulatory guidelines. This role is highly repetitive, hands-on, and fast paced, offering an excellent entry point into a laboratory environment with opportunities for cross-training and advancement into lab positions over time.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples in the food laboratory by reducing them to powder or liquid form for chemists to perform testing.
• Use liquid nitrogen and a 5 lb hammer to grind and process samples safely and efficiently according to company procedures.
• Label, organize, and store samples accurately to ensure proper tracking and traceability throughout the testing process.
• Assist prep staff with labeling containers, washing glassware, and transporting samples from the prep area to appropriate lab locations.
• Follow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and company protocols, maintaining precise and complete documentation for all activities.
• Perform repetitive sample preparation tasks with consistent accuracy and high attention to detail.
• Rotate into vessel wash and other specialty areas as needed, 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.
• Maintain sample management practices, including receiving, accessioning, and organizing samples in the prep area.
• Work primarily on your feet (approximately 90% or more of the day) while handling and processing samples.
• Lift and move materials weighing approximately 40–50 lbs as needed for sample preparation and storage.
• Work independently and reliably, managing assigned tasks and maintaining productivity in a fast-paced, production-like environment.
• Be flexible to perform additional duties across the prep lab and related areas based on workload and fit.
• Average approximately 5 hours of overtime per week depending on workload and business needs.
• Collaborate with a team of sample prep technicians and lab staff to meet testing deadlines and client timeframes.

Essential Skills

• Associates degree in Biotechnology with 2 years of industry laboratory experience, or a High School diploma with 3–4+ years of strong work history in a repetitive work environment.
• Ability to lift approximately 40–50 lbs safely and repeatedly as part of daily duties.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation skills, including experience working under GLP regulations (verifiable through references).
• Comfortable working independently and managing tasks with minimal supervision (verifiable through references).
• Demonstrated reliability and consistent work history (verifiable through references).
• At least 1 year of experience using Microsoft Word and Excel (including experience gained in school).
• Ability to stand for the majority of the workday (approximately 90% or more of the time).
• Comfort working in a repetitive, production-like environment while maintaining accuracy and focus.
• Willingness and flexibility to work approximately 5 hours of overtime per week based on workload.
• Strong sample management skills, including labeling, tracking, and organizing samples.
• Capability to safely use a 5 lb hammer and other tools to grind and process samples.
• Comfort working with liquid nitrogen and following safety and operational procedures in a lab setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Backgrounds in lab assistant, sample preparation, solution preparation, sample management, sample receiving, and accessioning are highly relevant.
• Coursework or education in laboratory sciences such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental science.
• Experience in repetitive, hands-on roles such as restaurant or cook positions, pharmacy technician, landscaping, delivery driving, or assembly line work.
• Interest in building a long-term career in a laboratory environment with opportunities to move into lab roles after approximately one year in sample prep.
• Comfort with data entry tasks, including taking digital photos and uploading files into computer systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple samples and tasks simultaneously.
• Willingness to cross-train in different prep and specialty areas and adapt to changing business needs.
• Motivation to work in a fast-paced environment where meeting client deadlines and testing timeframes is critical.

Work Environment

This role is based in a modern, purpose-built laboratory facility opened in January 2021, dedicated to testing food and dietary supplements for nutritional value. You will work primarily in the sample prep lab, which is loud due to the pounding of hammers but described as a fun and energetic environment. The work is fast paced and can feel similar to production work, as the team must prepare samples and aliquots to meet strict client timeframes. The sample prep team consists of approximately 12–15 employees across first and second shifts within a larger department of hundreds of lab and support staff. You will spend most of your day on your feet, handling repetitive tasks such as grinding samples, labeling, and storing materials, while using tools like a 5 lb hammer and working with liquid nitrogen under established safety protocols. The environment offers clear advancement potential, with added levels and roles in sample management and sample entry, and a history of employees progressing from prep to laboratory and supervisory positions. Dress expectations align with a typical laboratory setting, including appropriate attire and any required personal protective equipment provided by the employer.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $20.17 - $20.17/hr.

Benefits

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).

Schedule & Location

This is a fully onsite position based in Madison, WI. This is a Contract to Hire position. This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.