• Research Associate

    Actalent (Des Moines, IA)


    Job Title: Research Associate

    Job Description

    Join a dynamic team to conduct both basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry. You will be part of a collaborative environment where you are responsible for maintaining meticulous laboratory records and supporting daily lab operations, including plating, culture preparation, and sterilization.

    Responsibilities

    + Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

    + Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including notebooks and Excel data logs.

    + Support daily lab operations such as plating, culture preparation, and sterilization.

    + Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution.

    + Ensure general lab maintenance and contribute to a productive research environment.

    Essential Skills

    + Proficiency in biology, microbiology, and food science.

    + Experience with plating, culture preparation, and sterile techniques.

    + Hands-on experience in microbiology lab work.

    + Familiarity with molecular biology, assay, and data entry.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

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

    + Previous experience with meat plating is a plus.

     

    Work Environment

     

    Work in a state-of-the-art facility from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract position based out of Des Moines, Iowa.

    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 9, 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.