Research Associate I

Job Title: Research Associate I
Job Description
The Research Associate I conducts research, development, and manufacturing laboratory experiments and other scientific activities to support diagnostic and healthcare-related projects. This role designs, executes, and interprets experiments that contribute to project strategies, prepares clear technical documentation, and presents findings to project teams. The position supports the development of innovative invitro diagnostic solutions that provide precise information for clinical decision-making and personalized healthcare. This is a fully onsite, lab-based role suited for early-career scientists with a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and scientific concepts.
Responsibilities

• Execute laboratory experiments in support of research, development, and manufacturing activities, ensuring adherence to established protocols and scientific standards.
• Make detailed observations during experiments and analyze data using appropriate quantitative and statistical methods.
• Design and conduct experiments, exercising technical expertise and discretion to contribute to overall project strategies.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses that document experimental design, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely laboratory records and electronic files in accordance with internal procedures and regulatory expectations.
• Present and discuss experimental data and interpretations within the department and project teams, contributing to scientific discussions and decision-making.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies to maintain a high level of professional expertise and to inform experimental design.
• Follow and apply company policies and procedures related to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Design Control, and other applicable quality and regulatory frameworks.
• Receive and follow detailed directions on assigned work while progressively developing independence and technical judgment.
• Make suggestions to improve laboratory workflows, experimental processes, and documentation practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Assist in reducing patentable inventions to practice by performing experiments and documenting results that support intellectual property development.
• Work on projects of moderate scope, reviewing and interpreting data and situations based on identifiable factors and established guidelines.
• Exercise sound judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Participate in cross-functional technical team activities as needed, collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines.
• Monitor work to ensure it meets quality expectations and actively promote a "Quality First Time" mindset in all laboratory activities.
• Act as principal investigator for assigned experiments when appropriate, taking ownership of planning, execution, and documentation.
• Perform other related laboratory and documentation duties as assigned by leadership to support team and project objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, such as Life Sciences or a related field.
• 0-2 years of post-college professional experience in a relevant scientific or laboratory role.
• Understanding of core scientific concepts and laboratory techniques, including accurate pipetting and routine wet-lab procedures.
• Ability to perform scientific calculations, such as serial dilutions and solution preparations, with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Knowledge of basic and some specialized laboratory techniques applicable to research and development or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with searching and interpreting scientific literature to support experimental design and data interpretation.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, graphical, and presentation software for data analysis, reporting, and communication.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present and discuss experimental results with team members.
• Effective organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple experiments, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow GMP, GLP, Design Control, and other relevant quality and regulatory procedures once trained.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Scientific writing experience, including preparation of reports, summaries, or protocols, is preferred.
• Previous experience in the medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industry is preferred.
• Good Documentation Practice (GDP) and GLP experience is preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory-based role within invitro diagnostics, personalized healthcare, or related fields is advantageous.
• Familiarity with companion diagnostics or collaboration with pharmaceutical partners is beneficial.
• Exposure to healthcare digitalization, decision support tools, or laboratory efficiency solutions is a plus.
• Participation in scientific conferences or professional societies is viewed positively.
• Ability to contribute ideas for process improvements and innovation within the laboratory environment.

Work Environment
This is a fully onsite, lab-based position in a regulated research and development environment focused on invitro diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions. The role involves daily hands-on work in a laboratory, including the use of standard lab equipment and techniques such as pipetting, solution preparation, and execution of experiments under GMP, GLP, and Design Control frameworks. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to support integrated diagnostic solutions, laboratory efficiency tools, healthcare digitalization, and decision support software. The environment emphasizes quality, accuracy, and compliance, with a strong focus on "Quality First Time" in all activities. Professional experience is considered to begin after graduation, and undergrad research, part-time roles, and internships are viewed separately from post-college professional experience. The culture encourages continuous learning, engagement with scientific literature, and participation in broader scientific communities, while supporting clear documentation practices and structured feedback to help team members grow in their careers.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 South San Francisco,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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.


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