Research Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Research Technician
Job Description

This Research Technician position supports high-throughput immunology research focused on evaluating experimental vaccines. You will perform ELISA-based assays on samples from animal studies and human clinical trials to determine whether vaccine candidates generate the desired immune response. The role is highly hands-on, requires extended time on your feet, and involves precise pipetting, careful data handling, and consistent execution of repetitive laboratory workflows in a fast-paced screening environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform ELISA-based laboratory experiments to measure antibody responses to vaccine candidates and assess immune activity.
• Handle and process samples from animal studies, human clinical trials, and laboratory-produced proteins and antibodies in accordance with established protocols and safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment, including electronic pipettes, automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and related instruments.
• Set up, run, and troubleshoot high-throughput assays, including processing large numbers of 384-well plates and managing very small sample volumes.
• Accurately document all experiments, including methods, conditions, and results, to ensure that findings are clear, traceable, and reproducible by other scientists.
• Review, organize, and analyze large datasets generated from daily assays, primarily using Excel and PowerPoint to summarize and present results.
• Track and manage samples, proteins, antibodies, and reagents to ensure proper labeling, storage, and availability for ongoing and future studies.
• Maintain laboratory inventory by organizing supplies, monitoring stock levels, and initiating orders for materials and reagents when needed.
• Keep workspaces clean, organized, and compliant with laboratory safety and quality standards, including proper handling of potentially infectious materials.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and other team members, communicating progress, issues, and findings in a clear and timely manner.
• Use periods of reduced bench activity to complete data analysis, documentation, inventory management, and other non-laboratory tasks.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing research culture by actively participating in problem-solving and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment with demonstrated pipetting proficiency.
• Strong hands-on skills with ELISA or similar immunology assays, or the ability to quickly learn and execute these techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data organization and analysis and PowerPoint for data presentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong record-keeping skills to ensure accurate documentation of experiments and results.
• Ability to manage and interpret large datasets generated from high-throughput assays.
• Comfort working on your feet for 4–6 hours per day in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures consistently and accurately.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, samples, and reagents in a high-volume environment.
• Effective communication skills and comfort working in an interactive, team-based environment.
• Willingness and ability to work with human and non-human primate specimens, including potentially infectious materials, in a safe and compliant manner.

• Demonstrated ability to think abstractly and apply scientific reasoning to troubleshoot and improve laboratory workflows.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Resourcefulness in managing laboratory tasks, inventory, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Evidence of tenure or stability in previous roles, reflecting reliability and commitment.
• Interest in immunology, vaccine development, and antibody-binding assays.
• Motivation to grow professionally through exposure to complex, large-scale research programs and high-impact science.
• Openness to pursuing permanent opportunities within the organization if and when hiring restrictions are lifted.

This role is 100% onsite in a high-throughput immunology laboratory that focuses on antibody-binding and ELISA-based assays rather than cell culture, PCR, or molecular biology techniques. The lab processes a very high volume of 384-well plates daily, often generating up to approximately 19,000 individual data points in a single day, so the environment is fast-paced, detail-oriented, and highly structured. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, either 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break. Bench work is most intensive in the morning, with activity slowing by late morning and a lull in bench work between approximately 2:00–4:00 p.m. that is used for data analysis, documentation, and inventory tasks. You will use electronic pipettes, automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and standard laboratory instruments while working with human and non-human primate specimens, including potentially infectious materials, under appropriate safety procedures. The culture emphasizes mission-driven science with global impact, exposure to world-class research programs and complex funded projects, and strong support for growth, learning, and professional development. Team members work closely with faculty, scientists, and administrators in a collaborative, high-performing environment that values communication, partnership, and shared problem-solving, combining the stability of a major academic setting with the agility and innovation of a focused research center.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $20.65 - $22.85/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 Raleigh,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.