Research Associate

Research Associate

The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role focuses on supporting laboratory studies, maintaining high-quality data and documentation, and contributing to application and shelf-life projects that help improve product quality and safety. The position offers the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art research facility and support innovative food technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of an R&D team.
• Perform routine microbiology laboratory activities, including plating, meat plating, culture preparation, and sterilization of materials and equipment.
• Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and execution of product trials for food technologies.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized laboratory records, including lab notebooks and Excel-based data logs.
• Support daily lab operations to ensure experiments run smoothly and timelines are met.
• Ensure general lab maintenance, including cleanliness, organization, and readiness of equipment and supplies.
• Follow established sterile techniques and good laboratory practices to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists, Customer Lab Services teams, and other internal stakeholders to support project goals.
• Handle laboratory materials and chemicals safely, adhering to all safety protocols and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Lift and move bags and solvent containers (approximately 30–40 lbs) as needed to support laboratory activities.
• Use computers and software tools to record, analyze, and report experimental data.
• Contribute to a productive, team-oriented research environment by communicating clearly and supporting colleagues as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Previous hands-on microbiology laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in sterile techniques to prevent contamination during experiments.
• Experience with microbiological plating methods, including meat plating.
• Ability to perform culture preparation and related microbiology procedures.
• Competence in maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and digital data logs (e.g., Excel).
• Ability to safely handle chemicals and follow laboratory safety protocols.
• Capability to lift and carry 30–40 lbs and to stand for long periods while working at the lab bench.
• Ability to walk, twist, bend, sit, squat, and reach as required for laboratory tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a food science or food technology laboratory environment is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with shelf-life studies, application trials, and product evaluation in food systems.
• Comfort working in a bio/chemical manufacturing facility and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including customer laboratory services.
• Adaptability to support new product launches and evolving project needs.
• Interest in contributing to research that improves product quality, safety, and shelf life.

Work Environment

This role is based in an R&D laboratory within a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). The position begins as a 6-month contract supporting a new product launch, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a full-time role depending on project needs, though this is not guaranteed. The work takes place primarily at the lab bench with moderate computer use and occasional lifting of 30–40 lb bags or 20-liter solvent containers. The environment is a typical laboratory setting with ambient room temperature, good ventilation, bright lighting, and low background noise, consistent with normal conditions for a bio/chemical manufacturing facility. Frequent exposure to chemicals requires strict adherence to safety procedures. Personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, thermal gloves, aprons, face shields, ear protection, safety-toed shoes, hair and beard nets, gloves, lab coats, respirators, uniforms, and other GMP and job-specific safety attire is provided and must be worn as required. The broader campus includes amenities such as a cafeteria, coffee options, and a gym, and the organization employs a diverse range of professionals in a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving quality of life for a large global population.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Des Moines, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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.