Research Assistant Level 2

at Apex Systems in

Lemont, Illinois, United States Job Description Job Description:

Research Assistant II -

Molecular Microbiology Location:

Lemont, Illinois (Onsite)

Employment Type:

Contract Role Overview The Research Assistant II provides hands-on laboratory support to scientific staff conducting molecular microbiology research. The role supports projects focused on characterizing microbial communities from environmental and biological samples, including topsoil, subsurface environments, and mammalian gastrointestinal tracts. Research relies on high-throughput, PCR-based molecular techniques and requires a strong foundation in microbiology and molecular biology. The majority of work is laboratory-based, with responsibility for executing experiments using established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contributing to SOP updates, maintaining quality standards, and communicating results to the research team. Key Responsibilities Perform PCR reaction setup, execution, analysis, and troubleshooting. Conduct DNA/RNA manipulation and molecular biology assays. Prepare reagents and solutions, including molarity and dilution calculations. Operate common laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, pipettes, and mixers. Maintain strict aseptic techniques and sterility. Execute controls and quality assurance procedures. Support high-throughput molecular workflows. Maintain accurate and complete documentation in lab notebooks and spreadsheets. Assist with inventory control, supply management, and equipment upkeep.

Required Qualifications Education & Experience:

B.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field with 1-2 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience. Experience with a broad range of molecular biology techniques is required.

Technical Skills:

Hands-on experience with PCR (setup, execution, troubleshooting), DNA/RNA handling and manipulation, chemistry fundamentals for solution preparation, and use of standard laboratory equipment. Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software is necessary.

Professional Competencies:

Strong documentation and record-keeping practices, high attention to detail, and adherence to quality standards. The role requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, multitask, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. Preferred Qualifications Experience with DNA and RNA extraction from complex samples (environmental or gastrointestinal). Experience working in DNA-free clean rooms. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) experience. Familiarity with high-throughput laboratory workflows. Experience working in BSL-2 laboratory environments. Compensation & Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00/hour to $21.00/hour. A comprehensive benefits package is available to eligible employees. Work Schedule This position is for a standard 40-hour week. Programmatic needs may occasionally require modifications to this schedule, including overtime or work on a weekend or holiday to ensure the continuity of biological experiments. Individual work schedules will be determined by the project supervisor. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details.

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview:

Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request Priority Protected Veteran & Disabled Referrals for all of our locations within the state. To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account