Research Technician

Looking to gain hands-on research experience? Join an innovative biological research team focused on developing ice-nucleating proteins that support cloud seeding and water sustainability technologies. This role is ideal for candidates with a Biology or Microbiology background who enjoy working in the lab, culturing microorganisms, maintaining fungal cultures, and performing microbiology research using aseptic techniques.

Job Title: Part-Time Research Technician Microbiology and Fungal Cultivation

Job Description

This part-time Research Technician role focuses on supporting routine microbiology and fungal cultivation activities within a biological research program that develops ice-nucleating proteins produced and secreted by microorganisms, including fungi. The position is hands-on and physically demanding, involving high-throughput agar-plate inoculation, culture maintenance, and wet lab chemistry while following established aseptic procedures and laboratory safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiology tasks, including culturing and maintaining microorganisms such as fungi on agar plates and in other appropriate media.
• Conduct high-throughput agar-plate inoculation and manage large numbers of cultures in an organized and efficient manner.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of all cultures and experiments.
• Carry out wet lab chemistry procedures related to testing and characterization of microorganisms and ice-nucleating proteins.
• Follow established laboratory safety requirements, including proper handling of biological materials, chemicals, and equipment.
• Use basic computer skills to document experimental procedures, record data accurately, and maintain organized electronic and/or paper lab records.
• Support ongoing biological research focused on ice-nucleating proteins that can promote ice formation at relatively warm subzero temperatures.
• Assist with routine lab maintenance tasks such as preparing media, labeling samples, cleaning work areas, and organizing supplies.
• Collaborate with other laboratory staff by communicating observations, reporting issues, and contributing to the improvement of experimental workflows.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures and quality practices to ensure reliable and reproducible experimental results.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in a science discipline, preferably Biology or Microbiology.
• Demonstrated microbiology experience, including culturing microorganisms and working with agar plates.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique for handling and transferring cultures in a laboratory setting.
• Hands-on wet lab chemistry experience, including basic preparation, handling, and testing of chemical solutions.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication within the laboratory environment.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous, hands-on laboratory work involving repetitive tasks and high-throughput procedures.
• Familiarity with general laboratory practices, equipment, and safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Academic or research experience in microbiology, fungal cultivation, or related biological sciences gained through school projects, internships, or laboratory courses.
• Experience conducting research in an academic or industrial lab setting, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written protocols and standard operating procedures precisely.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple cultures, samples, and tasks simultaneously in a high-throughput environment.
• Interest in biological applications related to weather modification, cloud seeding, or environmental technologies.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a small research team.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and adapt to evolving research needs.

Work Environment

The role is part-time and based in a laboratory environment focused on microbiology and fungal cultivation research. Work is hands-on and can be physically strenuous, involving frequent standing, repetitive motions, and high-throughput agar-plate inoculation and culture maintenance. The technician works with microorganisms, including fungi, and performs wet lab chemistry using standard laboratory equipment and materials. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to aseptic procedures and laboratory safety requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment and safe handling of biological and chemical substances. The research program centers on developing ice-nucleating proteins that promote ice formation at relatively warm subzero temperatures, contributing to innovative approaches for cloud seeding and water availability. Dress typically follows standard laboratory attire, including appropriate protective clothing as required by safety protocols.

This is a Contract position based out of El Segundo, CA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/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 fully onsite position in El Segundo,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 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.

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.