Research Associate - Assay Development

Research Associate – Assay Development | Biotechnology

Seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join a growing biotechnology organization focused on advancing innovative diagnostic technologies. In this role, you will contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of protein- and biomarker-based assays that support cutting-edge research and product development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on laboratory experience with assay development, ELISA, and biochemistry techniques, along with strong data analysis and documentation skills. You will collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to execute experiments, interpret results, and drive assay performance improvements in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute laboratory experiments to support assay development and optimization activities.
• Perform biochemical, protein characterization, and immunoassay techniques, including ELISA.
• Support assay validation studies to ensure performance, reproducibility, and reliability.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and communicate findings to project teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, protocols, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional stakeholders on research and development initiatives.
• Follow laboratory best practices, safety procedures, and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with assay development and optimization.
• Working knowledge of ELISA and other biochemical or molecular biology techniques.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with protein characterization and biomarker-focused research.
• Assay validation experience.
• Prior experience within the biotechnology industry.
• Familiarity with diagnostic assay development or translational research environments.

Top Skills

• Assay Development
• ELISA
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Assay Validation
• Protein Characterization
• Biomarker Research

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/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 Jul 15, 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.