Research Technician

Research Technician

The Research Technician supports a preclinical development team by executing laboratory and animal-based testing activities that advance next-generation medical devices. This role involves performing bench and wet lab work, following SOP-driven testing protocols, collecting and documenting study data, maintaining research records, coordinating inventory and logistics, and supporting ongoing preclinical projects. The position includes direct work with awake pigs during research studies, troubleshooting laboratory procedures and equipment, and collaborating closely with engineers, researchers, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution. Approximately half of the role focuses on hands-on protocol execution and testing activities in a preclinical research setting.

Responsibilities:

• Execute bench and wet lab experiments in support of preclinical research and medical device development.
• Follow SOP-driven testing protocols with high accuracy and consistency to ensure reliable study results.
• Collect, record, and organize study data in accordance with good documentation practices and established procedures.
• Maintain detailed and accurate research records, including experiment logs, data sheets, and study documentation.
• Coordinate inventory and logistics activities, including ordering, tracking, and organizing laboratory supplies and materials.
• Support ongoing preclinical projects by preparing test materials, setting up equipment, and assisting with study execution.
• Work directly with awake pigs during animal studies, including handling, monitoring, and supporting protocol-related procedures.
• Troubleshoot laboratory procedures and equipment issues to maintain smooth and efficient study operations.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, technicians, and external vendors to plan and execute testing activities.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety, animal welfare, and documentation standards in a highly regulated, preclinical research environment.
• Contribute to a culture of quality by prioritizing accuracy, attention to detail, and compliance over speed in daily tasks.
• Participate in occasional local travel to nearby testing facilities to support offsite studies and testing activities.

Essential Skills:

• Hands-on bench and wet lab experience in environments such as biotech, medical device, academic or university research labs, animal research facilities, CROs, or diagnostics laboratories.
• Ability and genuine comfort working directly with large animals, specifically awake pigs, during research studies.
• Strong familiarity with following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and working in a highly documented environment.
• Proficiency in collecting, recording, and maintaining experimental data with strong attention to detail and quality.
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Biology, Animal Science, Life Sciences, Zoology, Physiology, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, researchers, technicians, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple studies, documentation requirements, and inventory responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently while meeting protocol requirements and project timelines.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and consistency in laboratory and documentation tasks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for data entry, documentation, and communication.
• Comfort with occasional local travel to support testing activities at nearby facilities.
• Strong work ethic and reliability in a fast-paced, execution-focused preclinical research environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Veterinary Technician background strongly preferred, particularly with experience in animal handling and clinical procedures.
• Academic or professional experience in preclinical research, medical device testing, or translational science.
• Exposure to animal science or animal research settings, including work with large animals.
• Experience working under good documentation practices in regulated or quality-focused environments.
• Interest in building a career in medical device R&D, preclinical research, and translational science.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative team of engineers, technicians, and researchers in a preclinical research organization.

Work Environment:

This role is fully onsite in a preclinical research setting, working Monday through Friday during daytime hours in a standard full-time schedule. The environment includes an open cubicle office area shared with a team of engineers, technicians, and researchers, combined with frequent work in laboratory spaces. The position involves regular hands-on work with awake pigs and participation in animal studies, as well as routine use of laboratory equipment and adherence to established SOPs and documentation practices. Occasional local travel to nearby testing facilities is required to support offsite studies. The workplace emphasizes collaboration, high-quality documentation, and careful execution of protocols in support of preclinical R&D and medical device development.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.