Research Associate

Job Title:

Research Associate Job Description As a Research Associate, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that all materials necessary for production are prepared efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for performing a variety of routine laboratory support tasks and assisting with complex sample analyses to support research and development efforts. Responsibilities Ensure timely and safe preparation of materials for production. Perform routine laboratory support tasks including solution preparation, general lab cleaning, maintenance, lab supply inventory, and operation of equipment and assays. Execute sample extraction, total protein quantitation, and enzymatic digestion. Assist in the loading and running of digested samples onto chromatography and mass spectrometry systems. Troubleshoot processes as needed to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Promote and maintain a safe working environment. Identify opportunities for process improvement and collaborate with the team to implement solutions. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong wet-lab skills and experience. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Exceptional attention to detail and focus. Experience in problem identification, problem-solving, and process improvement. Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and committed to personal and technical growth. Excellent written, oral, and organizational skills. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in protein-specific analysis. Knowledge of sample preparation for proteomics and mass spectrometry. Experience with high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Familiarity with database maintenance. Work Environment The position operates on a Monday to Friday schedule, during the first shift. The work environment emphasizes safety and encourages continuous improvement and collaboration. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $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 Johnston,IA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 26, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.