Research Associate

Research Associate

Join a team advancing breakthrough diagnostics for neurodegenerative disease.

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join an innovative biotechnology company developing next-generation diagnostic technologies for neurodegenerative diseases. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to protein manufacturing and purification activities that support cutting-edge diagnostic product development.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on laboratory experience in protein expression, purification, and biochemistry techniques, along with a strong commitment to quality, accuracy, and documentation. Recent graduates with relevant laboratory research experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support protein manufacturing operations through protein expression, purification, and reagent preparation activities.
• Perform chromatography-based protein purification workflows, including operation of FPLC/AKTA systems.
• Prepare buffers, media, and laboratory reagents according to established protocols.
• Execute routine laboratory procedures with precision while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Perform protein characterization techniques including SDS-PAGE and protein quantification assays.
• Document laboratory activities, results, and manufacturing records accurately and completely.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, laboratory organization, and inventory management.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety requirements and quality procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists and manufacturing personnel to support research and production objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Hands-on experience with protein purification and chromatography techniques.
• Experience working with bacterial expression systems and protein production workflows.
• Knowledge of protein isolation, purification, and characterization methods.
• Experience operating AKTA/FPLC systems and chromatography techniques such as:
• Affinity Chromatography
• Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
• Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX)
• Proficiency in common biochemistry laboratory techniques including:
• Buffer preparation
• Reagent preparation
• SDS-PAGE
• Protein quantification assays
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry, academic research, internship, or laboratory experience supporting protein manufacturing or bioprocessing activities.
• Experience working in GMP, GLP, ISO, or other regulated laboratory environments.
• Familiarity with Western blotting and additional protein characterization techniques.
• Experience maintaining laboratory readiness and supporting quality systems.

What You'll Bring

• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• A commitment to producing high-quality, reproducible results.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping practices.
• Passion for advancing technologies that improve patient outcomes.

Work Environment

• Full-time, onsite laboratory position.
• Standard schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
• Hands-on laboratory environment utilizing advanced protein purification and analytical technologies, including AKTA/FPLC systems.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists developing innovative diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/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 Aug 12, 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.