Lab Technician - Cardinal Health Opportunity in East Rutherford, NJ

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is a global, integrated healthcare services and products company that touches the lives of millions every day. With over 48,000 employees across North America, Europe, and other regions, we provide customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and physician offices. Our Nuclear Manufacturing division specializes in producing time-sensitive radiopharmaceuticals in highly regulated environments compliant with FDA, NRC, and DOT standards. These critical products support patient treatment through disease diagnosis, staging, and monitoring, making a direct impact on healthcare outcomes worldwide.

At Cardinal Health, we prioritize integrity, innovation, and employee safety. Our East Rutherford, NJ PET facility is at the forefront of nuclear medicine manufacturing, ensuring reliable supply chains for life-saving radiopharmaceuticals. Joining our team means contributing to cutting-edge healthcare while benefiting from a supportive, growth-oriented culture.

Role Overview

The Lab Technician position at Cardinal Health's NJ-East Rutherford PET facility is a full-time role (40 hours per week) ideal for detail-oriented individuals passionate about laboratory work in a regulated manufacturing environment. This overnight-focused position involves producing radiopharmaceuticals, conducting quality control, and maintaining cleanroom standards to meet customer and pharmacy demands.

Shifts are flexible based on business needs, typically 8-hour windows starting between 8pm and 4am (Monday-Friday), with training potentially on day shifts (8am-4:30pm). Candidates must be adaptable to weekends, holidays, overtime, and varying schedules. This entry-level opportunity suits those with lab experience or science backgrounds seeking stable healthcare careers.

Key Responsibilities

As a Lab Technician, you'll play a vital role in our production process:

• Complete extensive training, including e-learning and hands-on components, to maintain proficiency in all tasks.
• Manufacture radioactive isotopes, handling synthesis setup, hot cell manipulations, and distribution.
• Perform quality control testing on each batch using advanced equipment like gas chromatographs, dose calibrators, multi-channel analyzers, TLC plate scanners, HPLC, analytical balances, PTS, laminar flow hoods, and fume hoods.
• Operate in ISO 7 cleanrooms to prepare product vials and customer vials for drug production.
• Conduct environmental and personnel monitoring in ISO 5, ISO 7, and ISO 8 environments.
• Coordinate daily production schedules aligned with customer and pharmacy needs.
• Demonstrate meticulous documentation, oral communication, and writing skills; handle clerical tasks like production records and reports.
• Manage SAP inventory, including receiving, inspecting materials, and cycle counts.
• Execute daily radiation safety protocols and general lab cleaning.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates who thrive in fast-paced, regulated settings:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; education in sciences (Chemistry, Biology preferred).
• 0-1 years of experience preferred; lab experience highly desired.
• Prior manufacturing experience in controlled or regulated industries is a plus.
• Must be flexible for overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and schedule changes.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions repeatedly, multitask, and apply sound judgment.
• Physical capabilities: lift up to 75 pounds, manual dexterity, distinguish fine particulates/colors, clear hearing/speaking/writing.
• Team player mindset with adherence to SOPs under supervision.

This role applies basic skills to routine tasks, with all work reviewed for accuracy in a closely supervised environment.

Benefits & Perks

Cardinal Health invests in your well-being with comprehensive benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off plan and paid parental leave.
• Health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• 401k savings plan.
• Access to wages before payday via myFlexPay.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Work-life resources and healthy lifestyle programs.

Anticipated hourly range: $19.90 - $31.13 (bonus ineligible). Enjoy a premium compensation package in the healthcare sector.

Career Growth

Cardinal Health fosters professional development through ongoing training, certifications, and internal mobility. Start as a Lab Technician and advance to senior roles, quality assurance, or supervisory positions. Our commitment to employee engagement and process improvement opens doors in nuclear manufacturing, supply chain, and beyond. Many team members progress within our global network, leveraging skills in regulated industries.

Why Join Us

Work at the intersection of science and patient care in a state-of-the-art facility. Cardinal Health offers stability, competitive pay, and meaningful impact. Be part of a team ensuring radiopharmaceuticals reach those who need them most. Our East Rutherford location provides proximity to NYC while delivering a collaborative, safety-first culture. Flexible scheduling supports work-life balance amid demanding shifts.

Role FAQs

What shifts will I work?

Primarily overnight 8-hour shifts (8pm-4am start), Monday-Friday, with weekend/holiday rotations and overtime as needed. Training may be daytime.

Is experience required?

0-1 years preferred; lab experience highly valued, but extensive training provided.

What equipment will I use?

Gas chromatograph, dose calibrator, HPLC, cleanroom hoods, and more for QC and manufacturing.

Are there physical demands?

Yes, including lifting 75 lbs, manual dexterity, and color differentiation.

How do I apply?

Submit your application today via our careers portal. Join Cardinal Health and advance your lab career!