Research Associate – Assay Development

Research Associate

Actalent is seeking a Research Associate to support assay development activities within a growing biotechnology organization focused on advancing diagnostic technologies. This role will be responsible for executing laboratory experiments, supporting assay optimization and validation efforts, analyzing experimental data, and documenting results. The Research Associate will collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to contribute to research initiatives and assay development projects.

• Execute laboratory experiments to support assay development and optimization.
• Perform biochemical, protein-based, and immunoassays, including ELISA.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate findings to project teams.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and documentation.
• Support assay validation and protein characterization activities.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional partners to advance research and development objectives.
• Follow established laboratory protocols and quality standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Strong technical laboratory skills and documentation practices.
• Experience with assay development and optimization.
• Experience performing ELISA assays.
• Experience working with proteins, biomarkers, or protein characterization techniques.
• Biotechnology industry experience preferred.

• Assay Development
• ELISA
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Assay Validation
• Protein Characterization
• Biomarker Analysis

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Francisco, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/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 Francisco, CA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 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 Clearly Rated 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 actalentaccom 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.