Pharmacology Lab Associate

Actalent; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent, a global leader in engineering and sciences services, seeks a Pharmacology Associate I to join an in vivo pharmacology team focused on metabolic, obesity, and cardiovascular disease research in Groton, CT. This full-time, on-site role emphasizes hands-on study execution in a vivarium.

You will conduct multi-species studies (rodents, canines, non-human primates), collect biospecimens, analyze data, maintain records, and collaborate with cross‑functional project teams while upholding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in pharmacology, biology, biomedical sciences, animal science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience conducting in vivo studies in vivarium and lab environments.
• Experience with animal procedures in rodents; handling and dosing.
• Willingness to work with dogs and non-human primates as trained.
• Strong lab skills and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability to work both independently and in a cross-functional team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication for documenting experiments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data entry and analysis.
• Commitment to high-quality science and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vivo pharmacology studies for obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular programs.
• Conduct multi-species studies across rodents, canines, and non-human primates per SOP.
• Perform animal research procedures in rodents: handling, restraint, dosing, biospecimen collection.
• Assist with study execution: data collection, sample collection, tissue processing.
• Analyze and summarize experimental data using standard software.
• Maintain accurate records and data integrity per regulations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support objectives.
• Uphold animal welfare and regulatory compliance (IACUC, AAALAC, USDA, OLAW).
• Participate in team discussions to improve workflows and lab practices.
• Communicate study progress and results to team and stakeholders.
• Take ownership of tasks and proactively solve challenges.

Skills

In vivo studies

Vivarium experience

Animal handling

Multi-species work

Data analysis

Excel skills

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in pharmacology or related

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Job Title: Pharmacology Associate I

Job Description

This full-time, on-site Pharmacology Associate I position supports an In Vivo Pharmacology team focused on metabolic, obesity, and cardiovascular disease research. The role is highly hands-on and involves executing in vivo studies across multiple species to advance preclinical drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will contribute directly to translational pharmacology studies, collaborate with cross-functional project teams, and gain exposure to scientific strategy and industry-standard research practices within a dynamic, research-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vivo pharmacology studies in support of obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease research programs.

• Conduct studies across multi-species platforms, including rodents, canines, and non-human primates, while strictly adhering to institutional standard operating procedures and safety guidelines.

• Perform animal research procedures in rodents, including basic handling, restraint, dosing, and biospecimen collection.

• Assist with study execution, including data collection, experimental procedures, sample collection, tissue collection, and downstream tissue processing activities.

• Analyze, organize, and summarize experimental data using standard scientific software tools.

• Maintain accurate experimental records, study documentation, and data integrity in accordance with institutional and regulatory expectations.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to support research objectives, study execution, and overall program advancement.

• Uphold high standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance, including adherence to institutional IACUC protocols and applicable AAALAC, USDA, and OLAW standards.

• Participate in team discussions and contribute to continuous improvement of study workflows, technical capabilities, and laboratory best practices.

• Communicate study progress, issues, and results clearly and promptly to team members and stakeholders.

• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities, ensuring timely completion of tasks and proactive problem-solving when challenges arise.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors or masters degree in pharmacology, biology, biomedical sciences, animal science, or a related scientific discipline.

• Hands‑on experience conducting in vivo studies in vivarium and laboratory environments.

• Practical experience performing animal research procedures in rodents, including basic handling and technical procedures.

• Willingness and ability to work with large animal species, including canine and non‑human primate models, with training provided as needed.

• Strong technical laboratory skills with a demonstrated willingness to learn new techniques.

• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a collaborative, cross‑functional team.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple studies or tasks simultaneously.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting experiments and collaborating with colleagues.

• Solid problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving technical and experimental challenges.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data entry, organization, and basic analysis.

• Commitment to high‑quality science, animal welfare, and adherence to institutional and regulatory compliance standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in animal handling, restraint, dosing, and biospecimen collection across rodents, canines, and/or non‑human primates.

• Experience supporting metabolic disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or related therapeutic areas.

• Prior experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or industry research settings.

• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism or similar scientific data analysis software.

• Experience supporting large‑scale preclinical studies, including coordination of complex study designs and timelines.

• Exposure to translational pharmacology or preclinical drug discovery programs.

• Interest in long‑term career development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Comfort working in a highly collaborative, matrixed team structure.

• Adaptability, dependability, and a strong commitment to high‑quality scientific work.

• Eagerness to learn and grow within a research‑driven environment, including developing expertise across multiple species and techniques.

Work Environment

This role is a fully on‑site position based in Groton, CT, with work performed primarily in vivarium and laboratory settings. The position involves significant time conducting in‑vivo animal studies, including work with rodents and potential exposure to canine and non‑human primate models, in compliance with institutional protocols. Team members follow all required personal protective equipment, biosafety, animal welfare, and institutional compliance procedures. Start times are flexible based on study needs, typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and occasional weekend work may be required to support ongoing studies. Overtime eligibility may apply depending on business needs. The environment is highly collaborative and research‑focused, offering exposure to translational drug discovery, cross‑functional project teams, and industry‑standard technologies and practices within a structured, compliance‑driven facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Groton, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $35.00/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 Groton,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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 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.