Research Assistant

Actalent; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and R

Life Insurance

Disability (short & long-term)

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Research Assistant in Cincinnati, OH, to support laboratory-based work in cell and tissue biology. The role focuses on cell culture, tissue culture, cell isolation, and gene/protein expression analyses, with close collaboration with scientists to design and document experiments.

This contract position is onsite in Cincinnati, paying $26.00–$27.00 per hour. Benefits include comprehensive coverage and retirement options; opportunity to contribute to tissue engineering

Qualifications

• Experience with primary cells and cell lines.
• Background in biomedical engineering or related field.
• Experience with molecular biology tools such as PCR, Western blot, ELISA.
• Prior research or academic lab experience.
• Ability to use AI tools for data analysis is a plus.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Willing to work in Cincinnati lab.

Responsibilities

• Handle primary cells and established cell lines and isolate cells from tissues.
• Perform cell culture and tissue culture with sterile technique.
• Cryopreserve and store cells and tissues for long-term use.
• Conduct gene and protein expression analyses following protocols.
• Collaborate to design, refine, and optimize experimental protocols.
• Document procedures and results in notebooks and digital systems.
• Stay updated on tissue engineering and molecular biology advances.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and improve workflows.
• Present research findings to peers and senior scientists.

Skills

Cell culture

Cell isolation

Gene expression

Molecular biology

Lab safety

Documentation

Team collaboration

Continuous learning

Data analysis tools

Education

Biomedical engineering

Tools

PCR

Western blot

ELISA

Job description

The Research Assistant supports laboratory-based research in cell and tissue biology, contributing to innovative tissue engineering solutions. This role focuses on cell culture, tissue culture, cell isolation, and gene and protein expression analysis, while collaborating closely with scientists to design, optimize, and document experimental work in a fast-paced research environment.

Job Title: Research Assistant

The Research Assistant supports laboratory-based research in cell and tissue biology, contributing to innovative tissue engineering solutions. This role focuses on cell culture, tissue culture, cell isolation, and gene and protein expression analysis, while collaborating closely with scientists to design, optimize, and document experimental work in a fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Handle primary cells and established cell lines, including isolating cells from tissues or organs using appropriate laboratory techniques.
• Perform cell culture and tissue culture procedures with precision and care, maintaining sterility and experimental integrity.
• Preserve cells and tissues through cryopreservation and other storage methods to ensure long-term viability and reliability of samples.
• Conduct experiments related to gene and protein expression analysis, following established protocols and contributing to data generation.
• Collaborate with team members to design, refine, and optimize experimental protocols in support of ongoing research projects.
• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately and comprehensively in laboratory notebooks and digital systems.
• Stay current with advancements in tissue engineering, cell biology, molecular biology, and related scientific fields, and apply new knowledge to laboratory work.
• Assist in troubleshooting experimental issues and improving laboratory techniques, workflows, and methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of innovative tissue engineering solutions by supporting experiments and providing thoughtful input on experimental design.
• Ensure strict compliance with laboratory safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal protocols at all times.
• Communicate effectively with peers and senior scientists, sharing results, raising concerns, and participating in scientific discussions.
• Prepare and deliver clear presentations of research data and findings to internal audiences as needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in cell culture and tissue culture techniques, including routine maintenance and experimental use of cells.
• Hands-on experience with cell isolation methods from tissues or organs.
• Knowledge of cell and tissue preservation techniques, including cryopreservation and appropriate storage conditions.
• Familiarity with gene and protein expression analysis methods and related experimental workflows.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, cell biology, and general biology principles relevant to tissue engineering and laboratory research.
• Excellent laboratory skills with high attention to detail, including precise pipetting, sample handling, and adherence to protocols.
• Strong documentation practices, with the ability to record procedures and results clearly, accurately, and consistently.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and expand knowledge in tissue engineering and related scientific areas.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety standards, good laboratory practices, and standard operating procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with primary cells and a variety of cell lines.
• Background in biomedical engineering or a related discipline, with an understanding of tissue engineering concepts and applications.
• Experience with molecular biology tools such as PCR, Western blot, and ELISA.
• Prior experience in a research or academic laboratory setting.
• Ability to use AI tools for data analysis and preparation of presentations is a plus.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with peers and senior scientists, including the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.
• Ability to "read a room" and respond appropriately in group discussions and meetings.
• Strong presentation skills and comfort speaking in front of others.

This role is based in a laboratory research environment focused on tissue engineering, cell biology, and molecular biology. You will work with primary cells, cell lines, and tissue samples, using standard equipment for cell culture, tissue culture, cryopreservation, and molecular assays such as PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The position involves hands-on bench work, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with a team of scientists and research staff. Work typically follows standard laboratory hours, with occasional flexibility depending on experimental needs. Laboratory attire, including appropriate protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves, and safety eyewear, is required to maintain a safe and compliant workspace. The culture emphasizes scientific rigor, continuous learning, open communication, and mutual support among team members.

This is a Contract position based out of Cincinnati, OH.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $27.00/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 Cincinnati,OH. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

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.