Research Technician

Job Title: Research Technician

Job Description

The Research Technician supports a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility that underpins more than 150 active basic, translational, and clinical research studies. In this role, you perform standardized biospecimen processing and biobanking activities that enable high-quality acquisition, storage, and distribution of human samples for investigator-driven research projects and clinical trials. You follow detailed written procedures and policies, maintain strict quality control and quality assurance standards, and help advance discoveries that improve patient care across a wide range of therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, store, and ship human biospecimens, including blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, hair, and other bodily fluids, in alignment with study protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Review and follow study IRB requirements, protocols, and SOPs to ensure that all biospecimen handling, documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures meet regulatory and institutional standards.
• Collect samples when required, including responding to time-sensitive requests to obtain specimens from clinical areas or incoming shipments via mail and courier.
• Perform standardized biospecimen processing, including aliquoting, freezing, and labeling samples, while maintaining sterile technique and preventing cross-contamination.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and liquid nitrogen freezers, ensuring proper function, safety, and adherence to biosafety standards.
• Process blood specimens to separate serum and perform Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) isolation, cryopreservation, and thawing to support immune system and other research studies.
• Use REDCap and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter and manage electronic processing forms, ensuring accurate, complete, and timely data entry for all samples handled.
• Monitor sample inventory and storage conditions, including responding to freezer alerts and other equipment issues, to protect sample integrity and research continuity.
• Ship biospecimens to internal and external study sites according to protocol, including preparing documentation, packaging, and temperature control requirements.
• Practice sterile technique consistently, including appropriate gowning, double-gloving, and use of face shields and other personal protective equipment, while working in a BSL2+ environment.
• Adhere to all written procedures, policies, and quality control and quality assurance practices, and promptly report deviations, errors, or safety concerns.
• Support on-call operations by answering a pager, going onsite as needed, and addressing urgent needs such as sample collection or freezer issues outside of normal business hours.
• Collaborate with core facility staff and research teams to prioritize workload, meet study timelines, and provide reliable technical support for a broad portfolio of clinical trials and research projects.
• Maintain organized, clear documentation for all biospecimen processing activities to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and compliance with CAP accreditation standards.
• Demonstrate reliability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail in daily tasks, contributing to a high-performing biobanking and research support environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience handling and processing samples within a clinical laboratory environment, including practical understanding of sterility and sterile technique.
• Proficiency in pipetting techniques and routine use of laboratory equipment such as centrifuges for processing blood and other biospecimens.
• Experience working with human samples, including blood and other bodily fluids, with strict adherence to biosafety and infection control practices.
• Ability to process blood specimens, including separating serum and performing PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, and thawing for future research use.
• Familiarity with REDCap for data capture and electronic processing forms, with strong emphasis on data entry accuracy and completeness.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to track, manage, and document biospecimen handling and storage.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex written protocols, SOPs, and IRB requirements without deviation.
• Demonstrated reliability, commitment, and work ethic, including willingness to support on-call responsibilities and respond to urgent needs.
• Ability to listen carefully, follow instructions, and learn new procedures and technologies in a fast-paced research support environment.
• Solid organizational skills and time management capabilities to handle multiple studies and sample workflows simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a CAP-accredited or similarly regulated clinical or research laboratory environment.
• Background in biobanking, molecular biology, histology, or translational research, or a strong interest in gaining broad exposure to these areas.
• Comfort working in a BSL2+ laboratory setting with full gowning, face shields, and double-gloving as part of routine biospecimen processing.
• Proven ability to maintain high-quality standards under time pressure, including accurate documentation and sample handling for multiple concurrent research studies.
• Eagerness to learn new techniques and workflows, including advanced biospecimen processing methods and data systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with research teams, clinical staff, and core facility colleagues.
• Flexibility and resilience to manage variable workloads, urgent requests, and on-call demands while maintaining professionalism.
• Interest in contributing to clinical research across diverse therapeutic areas such as oncology, dermatology, orthopedics, trauma, pediatrics, and infectious diseases.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite in a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility that supports a large number of active clinical and translational research studies. You work in a laboratory environment that requires full gowning, including face shields and double-gloves, and strict adherence to sterile technique and biosafety procedures. The role involves daily use of centrifuges, liquid nitrogen freezers, pipettes, and other standard laboratory equipment, as well as regular interaction with REDCap and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for sample tracking and data entry. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, you participate in an on-call rotation once per month, with on-call periods running Wednesday through Tuesday and including evenings, nights, early mornings, weekends, and most holidays. While on-call, you respond to pager alerts and may need to go onsite to collect samples or address freezer and equipment issues. The department remains open on most holidays, closing only on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Years Day. The culture emphasizes reliability, teamwork, and meticulous attention to detail, offering the opportunity to support impactful research and to be considered for permanent roles after a successful contract period.

This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.

The pay range for this position is $20.75 - $24.00/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)

This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

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.

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.