R&D Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Actively Hiring! | R&D Scientist | Ames, IA | Apply Now!

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to lead and execute research and development activities focused on microbiology, immunoassays, and biologics within a growing animal health environment. The R&D Scientist designs and performs in vitro and in vivo studies, develops and optimizes analytical methods, and supports quality control testing to ensure that raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products meet rigorous quality standards. The position requires a strong experience in cell culture, bacteriology, and in vitro assay development, as well as the ability to work independently, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform sterility tests, bacterial culture, bacterial toxin production, and other microbiological methods to support product development and quality control.
• Conduct in vitro testing methods, including ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot, to evaluate product potency, purity, and performance.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot in vitro testing methods, including ELISA and Western blot, to improve assay robustness and reliability.
• Perform in vivo potency and toxin neutralization studies to assess product efficacy in relevant animal models.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, ensuring they meet established quality standards.
• Independently design experiments, including appropriate controls and sample plans, to address project objectives and scientific questions.
• Analyze test results, interpret data, and report findings accurately and clearly in written reports, presentations, and laboratory documentation.
• Perform preservative interference studies, growth promotion testing, and sterility testing to support product release and validation activities.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant records of all test results, procedures, and any deviations from SOPs in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas and laboratories, ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal of reagents and biological materials.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, and maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Adhere to all standards regarding quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and safety, including applicable USDA and GMP-related requirements.
• Build and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues in production, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality assurance to support cross-functional projects.
• Serve as a thought leader within the R&D team by proposing new ideas, methods, and approaches to improve processes and products.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and training to junior scientists and laboratory staff to build team capabilities.
• Troubleshoot complex experimental issues and assay performance problems independently, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
• Contribute to process development activities, including bacterial fermentation in lab-scale bioreactors, to support scale-up and manufacturing.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in laboratory workflows, documentation practices, and assay performance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 7–15 years of experience in an industry environment, preferably with a focus on biologics or in a USDA APHIS-regulated animal health setting.
• Extensive experience in cell culture, including the maintenance, expansion, and characterization of relevant cell lines.
• Strong proficiency in the development and optimization of in vitro immunoassays, particularly ELISA and related formats.
• Solid experience in bacteriology and microbiology, including bacterial culture and bacterial toxin production.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, including hypothesis generation, experimental planning, and selection of appropriate controls.
• Proven capability to troubleshoot assays and experimental systems and to develop solutions independently.
• Proficiency with a variety of laboratory methods, including ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and other in vitro assays.
• Experience performing bacterial fermentation in lab-scale bioreactors.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously while managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to communicate results clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists and laboratory personnel.
• Familiarity with quality control, quality assurance, and GMP-related practices in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of regulatory expectations in a USDA-regulated environment or similar regulated setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in an animal health industry environment, particularly with biologics, is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a USDA APHIS-regulated environment is preferred and considered very helpful.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro assays beyond ELISA, such as cell-based potency assays, is beneficial.
• Experience in research and development and process development within a biologics or microbiology-focused setting.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with production, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality assurance teams.
• Ability to act as a thought leader, contribute innovative ideas, and drive scientific and technical improvements within the team.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in documentation, inventory management, and laboratory maintenance.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Ames and follows a Monday through Friday, first-shift schedule. The role is laboratory-based, working with microbiology, cell culture, in vitro immunoassays, and related biologics testing methods in a controlled lab environment. You will collaborate closely with a small, tight-knit team in a family-owned company of approximately 60 employees, where culture is a priority and both task performance and positive attitude are highly valued. The organization operates in the animal health space, including testing for horses and newly launched products for cattle, and is experiencing growth. The work environment emphasizes quality assurance, regulatory compliance, safety, and cross-functional collaboration, and offers benefits upon conversion to permanent status, including paid vacations and holidays, four weeks of paid time off per year, a 401(k) retirement plan, health insurance coverage, and compensation commensurate with experience.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $48.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.