Biochemistry Research Assistant

Job Title:

Biochemistry Research Assistant Job Description This role serves as a hands-on Biochemistry Research Assistant and Formulation Specialist supporting a high-priority enzyme stabilization and product development project. You will act as the primary owner of enzyme assay analysis for prototype formulations, collaborating closely with internal teams and external partners (CROs). The position offers strong exposure to product development, formulation science, and pilot-scale operations while providing a structured training and development pathway for an early-career scientist. Responsibilities Execute time-sensitive, multi-step enzyme assays with high precision, consistency, and adherence to established protocols. Serve as the primary owner of enzyme assay throughput, ensuring data quality and reliability across multiple concurrent samples. Support enzyme formulation development and optimization projects by performing analytical testing and interpreting results. Analyze samples from pelleting trials and external CRO prototype workstreams, providing timely and accurate data to project stakeholders. Assist with physical property testing and experimental modeling to support formulation and product development decisions. Generate clear technical reports, data summaries, and presentations to communicate findings to cross-functional teams. Maintain strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), documentation practices, and laboratory cleanliness standards. Learn and apply new analytical techniques and technologies quickly to enhance assay capabilities and throughput. Work independently in the laboratory while maintaining accuracy during repetitive, detail-driven analytical tasks. Collaborate effectively with internal teams, contract research organizations (CROs), and project stakeholders to advance project milestones. Participate in hands-on pilot and manufacturing activities, including work in feed and pelleting environments as needed. Follow all safety protocols when working with laboratory chemicals, biological materials, equipment, and pilot systems. Manage multiple samples and workflows simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet project timelines. Document all experimental work with a strong focus on data integrity, traceability, and compliance with laboratory best practices. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. At least 1 year of laboratory experience in an industry laboratory setting after graduation. Practical laboratory experience in biochemistry, wet chemistry, or related analytical disciplines. Hands-on experience performing assays and working with analytical laboratory equipment. Demonstrated ability to execute repetitive, detail-driven analytical work with high accuracy and consistency. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow multi-step procedures precisely. Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple samples and workflows concurrently. Comfort working in hands-on laboratory and pilot plant environments. High level of ownership, accountability, and responsibility for assigned assays and experiments. Strong documentation skills and a data integrity mindset, including careful recordkeeping and adherence to SOPs. Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Analytical laboratory, bioassay, or enzyme-related work experience preferred. Research and development (R D) or product development experience preferred. Interest in product development, applied science, and enzyme analytics. Mechanical aptitude or comfort working with equipment, pilot systems, and manufacturing environments is a plus. Experience working with laboratory chemicals and personal protective equipment (PPE). Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes, technologies, and analytical methods. Comfort working around biological materials commonly found in animal nutrition environments. Motivation to thrive in a fast-paced, technical environment and to take ownership of a critical analytical method. Interest in a structured training and development pathway with opportunities for skill growth and increased responsibility. Work Environment This is a full-time, onsite role with a schedule of Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with slight variation possible once fully trained. The position includes a mix of laboratory bench work focused on analytical testing and hands-on exposure to pilot and manufacturing operations. You will be trained through a structured, hands-on program over 2-3 weeks, working directly with a trainer, shadowing assay execution, performing the assay under supervision, and demonstrating the ability to independently replicate reliable results. Day-to-day work involves executing 4+ hour assays involving multiple concurrent samples, working in feed and pelleting environments where dust, noise, and temperature variation are present, and interacting with equipment, machinery, and physical product materials. You will regularly stand, sit, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions, and you will work with laboratory chemicals while using appropriate PPE. The environment includes exposure to dust from feed materials such as corn and soy, noise and vibrations, and warm or cold conditions in pilot areas. You must be comfortable working around machinery, mechanical systems, and biological materials commonly used in animal nutrition. The role offers a one-year guaranteed contract with the possibility of extension based on project success and advancement, along with paid holidays and paid time off. You will collaborate closely with internal teams, CROs, and project stakeholders in a high-visibility project, gaining significant exposure to product development, formulation, and enzyme analytics in a supportive, training-focused culture. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Chesterfield, MO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 Chesterfield,MO.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. 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.

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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.