Inside Research Worker

Actalent; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Transportation benefits

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Inside Research Worker to support a Trait Transient Assay (TTA) program in Johnston, IA. This full-time, on-site role involves lab operations, data generation, and collaboration with project leads to advance assay development and characterization workflows.

You'll perform routine plant care and sample handling in growth chambers, maintain sterile technique, and analyze results for clear reporting. A two-year associate degree and strong teamwork are required.

Qualifications

• This role requires hands-on lab experience in chemistry or biology.
• Proficiency in following laboratory protocols and SOPs precisely.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in data recording and repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety practices and manage risks in laboratory activities.
• Support assay development and characterization projects in a team setting.
• Maintain lab facilities and instruments per standards.
• Assist with plant assays, sampling, and plant care in growth chambers.
• Operate instruments, record results, and ensure sterile technique.
• Analyze data and prepare reports; communicate with leads.
• Stand for extended periods and perform physical lab tasks.

Skills

Lab experience

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Ability to follow SOPs

Safety awareness

Effective communication

Physical stamina

Independent work

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Job Description

This role supports an assay development and characterization team that focuses on Trait Transient Assay (TTA) platforms used to identify and characterize hits, actives, leads, and construct performance. The Inside Research Worker performs general laboratory operations and assists with experimental execution under the guidance of laboratory and project leads, contributing to high-quality data generation and smooth day-to-day lab functioning.

Job Title: Inside Research Worker

Job Description

This role supports an assay development and characterization team that focuses on Trait Transient Assay (TTA) platforms used to identify and characterize hits, actives, leads, and construct performance. The Inside Research Worker performs general laboratory operations and assists with experimental execution under the guidance of laboratory and project leads, contributing to high-quality data generation and smooth day-to-day lab functioning.

Responsibilities

• Follow and promote excellent safety practices and risk management procedures in all laboratory activities.
• Work both independently and as part of a collaborative team to support assay development and characterization projects.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and remain focused while performing repetitive laboratory tasks.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, instruments, and equipment in accordance with established laboratory standards.
• Assist with plant assays, including sampling, bacterial culture maintenance, and routine plant care activities.
• Work in controlled environments such as growth chambers to perform plant care and related experimental tasks.
• Utilize laboratory instruments to analyze samples and accurately record results and observations.
• Perform laboratory duties using appropriate sterile techniques to prevent contamination.
• Carry out standard laboratory cleaning procedures to ensure a clean, organized, and compliant workspace.
• Perform plasmid isolations as part of molecular biology workflows.
• Analyze data generated from conducted assays and prepare clear reports or summaries of findings.
• Communicate clearly with laboratory and project leads and demonstrate strong efficiency in completing assigned tasks.
• Stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks associated with plant care, sample handling, and routine lab operations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience working in a laboratory setting, preferably in chemistry or biology.
• Basic understanding of laboratory principles in chemistry and biology.
• Ability to follow laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail when handling samples, recording data, and performing repetitive tasks.
• Capability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Commitment to safe laboratory practices and effective risk management.
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform physical tasks required in plant and laboratory work.
• Clear and effective communication skills to interact with project leads and team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree (2-year) required in a relevant scientific discipline or closely related field.
• New graduates with prior laboratory experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with plant assays, including plant care and sampling, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with working in controlled environments such as growth chambers.
• Experience with sterile techniques in a laboratory setting.
• Exposure to plasmid isolation and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to accurately analyze and report experimental data.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site laboratory position in a research-focused environment. The role involves working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for a total of 40 hours per week, with no overtime available. The work is primarily conducted in laboratory spaces and controlled growth chambers, where adherence to safety standards, sterile technique, and proper use of laboratory instruments is essential. The position requires standing for extended periods and performing physical tasks related to plant care, sample handling, and routine lab operations, within a professional and structured research setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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 400. 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 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.