• Research Associate

    Actalent (Des Moines, IA)


    Job Title: Research Associate

    Job Description

    Perform basic and applied microbiological research to support innovation and safety in the food industry. Conduct microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry research in a collaborative team environment. Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and Excel documents. Perform general laboratory maintenance and support daily lab operations.

    Responsibilities

    + Conduct microbiological research to support food safety and innovation.

    + Collaborate with team members in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry research projects.

    + Maintain accurate and detailed records in laboratory notebooks and Excel.

    + Perform general laboratory maintenance and support daily lab operations.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.

    + 1-3 years of hands-on microbiology lab experience is highly preferred.

    Work Environment

    The position is a 3-month contract role until the end of December, supporting a new product launch. Work is conducted in a state-of-the-art facility with a Starbucks, cafeteria, and gym on campus. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with flexibility required depending on project needs. The role involves occasional physical effort, such as lifting 30-40 lbs bags or 20-liter cans of solvents, and requires standing for long periods in a laboratory setting.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Des Moines,IA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 2025.

    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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.