Research Associate

Job Description The Research Associate conducts applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment, supporting new product development and evaluations. This role focuses on routine microbiology testing, accurate data recording, and laboratory maintenance to support research studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovations that enhance food quality and safety while gaining experience in a state-of-the-art research facility. Job Description The Research Associate conducts applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment, supporting new product development and evaluations. This role focuses on routine microbiology testing, accurate data recording, and laboratory maintenance to support research studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovations that enhance food quality and safety while gaining experience in a state-of-the-art research facility. Responsibilities Conduct applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry to support product development and research initiatives. Perform routine microbiology testing, including sample preparation, serial dilutions, plating, colony enumeration, media preparation, culture maintenance, and meat plating to support research studies and product evaluations. Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution for new and existing products. Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized laboratory records, including laboratory notebooks and Excel-based data logs. Prepare microbiological media, reagents, and cultures according to established protocols and quality standards. Support pathogen testing activities and contribute to the interpretation of microbiological results for organisms such as Salmonella and E. coli. Ensure general lab maintenance, including cleanliness, organization, and proper storage of materials, to support a safe and productive research environment. Follow and uphold laboratory safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and quality requirements. Collaborate closely with research and development teams, including Customer Lab Services, to support ongoing projects and new product launches. Operate laboratory equipment and computer systems as needed to collect, analyze, and report data. Handle physical tasks such as lifting bags or containers (30–40 lbs) and transporting materials safely within the laboratory. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance laboratory processes, efficiency, and data quality. Essential Skills Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field. Previous hands‑on microbiology laboratory experience. Proficiency in serial dilutions, colony counting, microbial enumeration, and interpretation of microbiological results. Experience preparing microbiological media, reagents, and cultures. Understanding of pathogen testing for organisms such as Salmonella and E. coli. Demonstrated ability to perform plating, including meat plating, using sterile techniques and good laboratory practices. Ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including notebooks and Excel data logs. Knowledge of sterile techniques, assay execution, and culture preparation in a microbiology setting. Capability to lift and carry 30–40 lbs occasionally and stand for extended periods while working at a laboratory bench. Comfort working with harmful chemicals in a controlled laboratory environment while following safety protocols. Additional Skills & Qualifications Background in food science or food microbiology is beneficial for supporting food technology research. Experience working in applied research, product evaluations, or shelf‑life studies is an advantage. Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and quality‑focused laboratory operations. Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation in a research environment. Ability to work collaboratively within a small, focused microbiology team and cross‑functional groups such as Customer Lab Services. Comfort working on time‑bound projects, including contract roles that may extend or convert based on project needs. Work Environment This is a full‑time, on‑site role working Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). 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. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. 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 Sep 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr