Associate Scientist

Actalent; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is hiring an Associate Scientist in the South San Francisco area with a focus on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and pathology. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, assay execution, and high-quality data generation across multiple projects.

You will operate Ventana and Leica BOND systems, perform staining workflows, and contribute to data interpretation and reporting. A Bachelor’s or Master’s in a life science field is required, with strong independence and collaboration skills in a

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and pathology.
• Proven ability to execute complete assay workflows from sample to results.
• Experience applying quality control to ensure reliable data.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and work independently in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform IHC staining, including single-plex and multiplex assays.
• Operate automated staining platforms (Ventana/Leica BOND) for assays.
• Complete staining workflows from sample prep to slide processing and analysis.
• Scan and review stained slides with proper documentation for reporting.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory records and adhere to safety procedures.

Skills

IHC & pathology hands-on

Assay execution & optimization

Quality control in data

Independent lab work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Cellular Biology or Molecular Biology

Tools

Ventana

Leica BOND

Job description

Actalent is hiring for an Associate Scientist in the South San Francisco area!

Job Description This Associate Scientist role focuses on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and pathology, with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory work, assay execution, and data quality. You will contribute directly to multiple concurrent projects by performing IHC staining, operating automated staining platforms, and generating high-quality experimental data. The position suits a highly organized, trainable scientist who learns quickly, works independently in the lab, and collaborates effectively with cross-functional stakeholders. Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, including single-plex and/or multiplex assays, following established protocols and best practices.
• Operate and maintain automated staining platforms, such as Ventana and/or Leica BOND systems, to support efficient and reproducible assay workflows.
• Execute complete staining and assay workflows from sample preparation through to slide processing and analysis.
• Scan and review stained slides, ensuring image quality and proper documentation for downstream analysis and reporting.
• Apply rigorous quality control practices to ensure the generation of reliable, reproducible experimental data.
• Optimize assay conditions and workflows as needed to improve performance, consistency, and throughput.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders, including scientists and project team members, to understand project requirements and deliver high-quality data on time.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports that summarize experimental methods, observations, and results for internal review and decision-making.
• Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects and tasks, balancing competing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Work both independently and as part of a team, quickly gaining proficiency with new techniques, instruments, and workflows.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, including experiment logs, instrument usage, and assay documentation.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and standard operating procedures to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
• Practical experience with IHC staining and complete assay workflows.
• Demonstrated expertise in assay execution and optimization, including single-plex and/or multiplex assays.
• Experience applying quality control practices to ensure reliable and reproducible experimental data.
• Ability to operate Ventana and/or Leica BOND automated staining platforms or strong readiness to learn these systems quickly.
• Proven ability to work independently in a laboratory environment after appropriate training.
• High level of organization with the ability to prioritize competing activities and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong multitasking skills and comfort working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Quick learner who can rapidly gain independence with new techniques, instruments, and workflows.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with stakeholders and prepare clear reports.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant laboratory experience is considered more important than whether the candidate holds a bachelors or masters degree.
• Experience with Ventana or Leica BOND platforms is highly desirable, as it can significantly reduce the required training period.
• Prior experience in pathology-focused laboratories or IHC-focused roles is a strong advantage.
• Experience generating and presenting experimental reports to scientific or cross-functional teams.
• Comfort explaining previous short employment durations when related to reasonable circumstances such as organizational changes or layoffs.
• Ability to integrate quickly into a new team and align with the scope and level of the role.
• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to be hands-on and trainable in new methods and technologies.

Work Environment

You will work primarily in a laboratory environment focused on pathology and immunohistochemistry, using automated staining platforms such as Ventana and Leica BOND systems, as well as slide scanners and related imaging equipment. The team manages multiple projects simultaneously, so the environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with frequent collaboration and communication among scientists and stakeholders. You can expect to spend the majority of your time performing hands-on lab work, executing assays, scanning slides, and documenting results, with additional time devoted to data analysis and report preparation. Standard laboratory safety practices and attire apply, including appropriate lab coats, gloves, and other personal protective equipment as required by laboratory procedures.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $28.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South San Francisco,CA.

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 [e-mail] 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.