Research Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Research Technician
Job Description

This role supports a College of American Pathologists–accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility that provides centralized expertise for acquiring, processing, storing, and distributing high-quality human biospecimens for basic, translational, and clinical research. The research technician performs routine and complex technical duties in standardized biospecimen processing and biobanking to support investigator-driven research projects and clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, dermatology, orthopedics, trauma, pediatrics, and infectious diseases. This is a 6‑month contract position with the opportunity to apply and interview for a permanent role, and the technician will work onsite supporting operations in Durham.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of routine and complex technical duties related to standardized biospecimen processing and biobanking in support of research projects and clinical trials.
• Receive, process, store, and ship human samples in strict adherence to study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and institutional review board (IRB) requirements.
• Handle and process a wide range of human biospecimens, including blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, hair, and other bodily fluids, while maintaining sterility and quality.
• Use centrifuges to process blood and other specimens, including separating serum and preparing samples according to protocol.
• Process Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), including isolation from patient blood, cryopreservation, and thawing to ensure future usability for immune system–related studies.
• Aliquot samples, label accurately, and prepare specimens for freezing and long-term storage in liquid nitrogen freezers and other storage systems.
• Practice sterile techniques consistently, including appropriate pipetting and handling of biospecimens, to maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination.
• Receive samples arriving via mail and courier, verify accompanying documentation, and log them accurately into electronic systems.
• Collect samples onsite as needed, following study-specific procedures and ensuring timely and accurate specimen handling.
• Store samples according to defined conditions and inventory requirements, ensuring proper organization and traceability within the biorepository.
• Prepare and ship samples to external sites or collaborators in accordance with applicable protocols and shipping regulations.
• Use REDCap and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) tools to enter, track, and manage sample data and electronic processing forms.
• Maintain high levels of data entry accuracy in electronic processing forms and databases, ensuring complete and correct records.
• Monitor and follow quality control and quality assurance practices, including adherence to written procedures and policies.
• Respond to operational needs such as freezer alerts or urgent sample collection when on-call, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
• Collaborate with team members, logistics personnel, and leadership to support efficient workflow and continuous improvement of biobanking operations.
• Follow biosafety and BSL2+ laboratory practices, including full gowning with face shields and double gloves when handling specimens.
• Participate in training and ongoing learning to stay current with procedures, protocols, and system updates.
• Demonstrate reliability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail in daily tasks and during on-call responsibilities.

• At least 2+ years of experience working in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of sterility and sterile technique in handling human biospecimens.
• Proficiency in pipetting and routine laboratory techniques.
• Experience operating centrifuges for processing blood and other samples.
• Ability to process blood samples, including separation of serum and preparation of PBMCs for cryopreservation and thawing.
• Familiarity with biospecimen handling, including receiving, processing, aliquoting, freezing, storing, and shipping human samples.
• Ability to follow written procedures, SOPs, and IRB-approved protocols accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, particularly in electronic processing forms.
• Commitment to quality control and quality assurance practices in a laboratory setting.
• Reliable work ethic, including punctuality, consistency, and accountability for assigned duties.
• Willingness to listen, learn, and follow instructions from leadership and senior staff.
• Demonstrated commitment, reliability, and eagerness to learn new techniques and systems.
• Ability to work safely in a BSL2+ environment while fully gowned, including the use of face shields and double gloves.
• Capacity to participate in an on-call rotation and respond promptly to pager notifications, including going onsite when required.

• Experience using REDCap for data capture and management is highly preferred.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is highly preferred.
• Prior exposure to biobanking, biorepository operations, or biospecimen core facilities is beneficial.
• Experience processing a variety of human specimens such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, and hair is advantageous.
• Familiarity with cryopreservation techniques and handling of liquid nitrogen freezers is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative laboratory team.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and accuracy in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
• Enthusiasm for supporting clinical research and contributing to studies across diverse therapeutic areas.

The position is 100% onsite in a College of American Pathologists–accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility. The research technician works within a small, collaborative team that includes processors, histology technologists, and molecular technologists, supporting clinical research across multiple therapeutic areas. The laboratory environment involves routine use of centrifuges, liquid nitrogen freezers, and other standard clinical laboratory equipment, as well as regular use of REDCap and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data and sample tracking. The role requires full gowning, including face shields and double gloves, when handling human biospecimens to ensure safety and sterility. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, the technician participates in an on-call rotation once per month, with on-call coverage running from Wednesday through the following Tuesday, including weekends. While on-call, the technician must respond to a pager and be prepared to go onsite as needed for tasks such as sample collection or addressing freezer issues. The department is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day, but otherwise maintains regular operations to support ongoing research. This environment emphasizes meticulous quality control, adherence to written procedures, and a strong culture of reliability, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.

The pay range for this position is $20.75 - $20.75/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.