Research Associate

Research Associate

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our team specializing in molecular diagnostics and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product development. This is an excellent opportunity for a new graduate with a foundational understanding of molecular biology to gain hands-on lab experience and contribute to innovative projects in a cutting-edge environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform bacterial culturing and plating to grow bacteria.
• Utilize UV-Vis spectrophotometry to monitor and measure microbial growth.
• Execute repetitive tasks with precision and accuracy.
• Work with blood samples, adhering to safety protocols in a BSL-2 facility.
• Design and implement experiments to develop and optimize assays both on the bench and within consumable devices.
• Take detailed notes and follow good documentation practices.
• Summarize and communicate experimental data, drawing independent conclusions.
• Identify and resolve assay and device performance issues.

Essential Skills

• BA/BS or MA/MS in life sciences with at least 1 year of relevant lab experience.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields.
• Experience with assay development, PCR, qPCR, and aseptic techniques.
• Proficient in bacterial culturing and spectrometry.
• Ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Good organizational skills.
• Appropriate computer skills, including e-mail, word processing, Excel, and graphing software.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Work Environment

Join a dynamic team of 4-5 scientists and 4-5 engineers working collaboratively in Carlsbad, CA. The work environment includes handling of blood samples with all necessary PPE provided and training in BSL-2 facilities. Work will involve automating laboratory techniques within disposable devices, offering a collaborative and innovative setting to develop and enhance your skills.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/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 Carlsbad, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.