Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant Job Description
The Research Assistant supports laboratory-based research in cell and tissue biology, contributing to innovative tissue engineering solutions. This role focuses on cell culture, tissue culture, cell isolation, and gene and protein expression analysis, while collaborating closely with scientists to design, optimize, and document experimental work in a fast-paced research environment.
Responsibilities

• Handle primary cells and established cell lines, including isolating cells from tissues or organs using appropriate laboratory techniques.
• Perform cell culture and tissue culture procedures with precision and care, maintaining sterility and experimental integrity.
• Preserve cells and tissues through cryopreservation and other storage methods to ensure long-term viability and reliability of samples.
• Conduct experiments related to gene and protein expression analysis, following established protocols and contributing to data generation.
• Collaborate with team members to design, refine, and optimize experimental protocols in support of ongoing research projects.
• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately and comprehensively in laboratory notebooks and digital systems.
• Stay current with advancements in tissue engineering, cell biology, molecular biology, and related scientific fields, and apply new knowledge to laboratory work.
• Assist in troubleshooting experimental issues and improving laboratory techniques, workflows, and methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of innovative tissue engineering solutions by supporting experiments and providing thoughtful input on experimental design.
• Ensure strict compliance with laboratory safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal protocols at all times.
• Communicate effectively with peers and senior scientists, sharing results, raising concerns, and participating in scientific discussions.
• Prepare and deliver clear presentations of research data and findings to internal audiences as needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in cell culture and tissue culture techniques, including routine maintenance and experimental use of cells.
• Hands-on experience with cell isolation methods from tissues or organs.
• Knowledge of cell and tissue preservation techniques, including cryopreservation and appropriate storage conditions.
• Familiarity with gene and protein expression analysis methods and related experimental workflows.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, cell biology, and general biology principles relevant to tissue engineering and laboratory research.
• Excellent laboratory skills with high attention to detail, including precise pipetting, sample handling, and adherence to protocols.
• Strong documentation practices, with the ability to record procedures and results clearly, accurately, and consistently.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and expand knowledge in tissue engineering and related scientific areas.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety standards, good laboratory practices, and standard operating procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with primary cells and a variety of cell lines.
• Background in biomedical engineering or a related discipline, with an understanding of tissue engineering concepts and applications.
• Experience with molecular biology tools such as PCR, Western blot, and ELISA.
• Prior experience in a research or academic laboratory setting.
• Ability to use AI tools for data analysis and preparation of presentations is a plus.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with peers and senior scientists, including the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.
• Ability to "read a room" and respond appropriately in group discussions and meetings.
• Strong presentation skills and comfort speaking in front of others.

Work Environment
This role is based in a laboratory research environment focused on tissue engineering, cell biology, and molecular biology. You will work with primary cells, cell lines, and tissue samples, using standard equipment for cell culture, tissue culture, cryopreservation, and molecular assays such as PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The position involves hands-on bench work, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with a team of scientists and research staff. Work typically follows standard laboratory hours, with occasional flexibility depending on experimental needs. Laboratory attire, including appropriate protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves, and safety eyewear, is required to maintain a safe and compliant workspace. The culture emphasizes scientific rigor, continuous learning, open communication, and mutual support among team members.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Cincinnati, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $27.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Cincinnati,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: 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.



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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.