Research Analyst I

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we'll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

The Research Analyst I is an entry-level laboratory professional responsible for supporting regulated and non-regulated preclinical and clinical studies through the execution of laboratory procedures, sample analysis, method validation, and formulation activities. This role supports multiple scientific disciplines including Bioanalytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunotoxicology, and Formulations. The Research Analyst I performs laboratory techniques and assays utilizing a variety of analytical, molecular, cellular, and formulation platforms while ensuring compliance with applicable study protocols, SOPs, GxP regulations, and quality standards.

The individual will contribute to the evaluation of pharmaceutical, biologic, cellular, and gene therapy products through activities such as quantitative analysis, molecular testing, immunological assessments, formulation preparation, and data analysis. Success in this role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Essential Functions

• Laboratory Operations & Compliance
• Perform and document laboratory procedures, materials, and results in compliance with applicable regulatory standards, study protocols, methods, and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete laboratory documentation.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication with peers, supervisors, and project teams.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance, cleanliness, and organization.
• Maintain study-specific inventories of laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Write study and non-study deviations with minimal oversight.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and operational excellence activities.
• Develop troubleshooting, critical thinking, and time management skills to support laboratory operations.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.
• Scientific & Technical Responsibilities
• Support routine sample analysis and laboratory studies under appropriate supervision.
• Assist in the execution of method development and method validation projects.
• Operate laboratory instruments and analytical platforms in accordance with procedures and training requirements.
• Assist with data analysis using validated software systems and analytical platforms.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, standards, controls, and laboratory materials.
• Utilize validated instrumentation and software systems for sample analysis and data reporting.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacy, Immunology, or another related scientific discipline required.
• No previous professional experience required.
• Relevant academic laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience with LC/MS/MS, qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry, cell culture, formulation preparation, or related laboratory techniques is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to learn validated laboratory software systems and technologies.
• Mathematical aptitude and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine laboratory issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform laboratory and office-based procedures.
• Ability to use laboratory instruments, computers, and standard office equipment.
• Frequent reaching, handling, and manipulation of laboratory materials.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coats, respirators, Tyvek suits, sleeve protectors, face shields, masks, scrubs, and protective footwear as required.

Work Environment

• Laboratory and office-based work environment.
• May work with biological samples, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biohazards, and laboratory animals.
• Exposure to allergens, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, odors, humidity, and varying temperatures may occur.
• Compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements is required.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work under specific time constraints and meet study deadlines.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and additional shifts as business needs require.
• Ability to participate in rotational on-call responsibilities as needed.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation & Schedule

• Hourly Rate: $23.50 per hour
• Shift Differential: 10% premium for applicable weekend hours
• Example Shift Schedule:
  • Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Friday through Monday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM (Formulations Only)
• Training Schedule:
  • Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM during the first 12 weeks of employment
  • Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM during the first 12 weeks of employment (Formulations Only)

About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.

About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We're committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including 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.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to View email address on click.appcast.io. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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