Research Associate

Actalent; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site cafeteria

Gym on campus

Coffee options

Job summary

Actalent in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Research Associate to conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role supports a new product launch by performing hands-on laboratory work, maintaining precise records, and contributing to daily lab operations.

The position involves preparing media, plating, culture prep, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution while adhering to SOPs and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Hands-on microbiology laboratory experience required.
• Meat plating experience preferred within a microbiology or food science context.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and Excel data logs.
• Knowledge of basic and applied microbiology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, food science, or biotechnology.
• Follow laboratory protocols, SOPs, and safety guidelines.
• Ability to lift 30–40 lb bags or 20-liter cans of solvents occasionally.
• Stand/walk for extended periods and perform various lab tasks.
• Computer proficiency for data entry and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of a research and development team.
• Perform routine microbiology techniques, including plating, culture preparation, and meat plating to support ongoing projects.
• Execute application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials in alignment with project plans and timelines.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and data logs to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Support daily laboratory operations such as preparing media, sterilizing equipment, and organizing workspaces.
• Ensure lab cleanliness and SOP compliance; monitor supplies.
• Coordinate experiments and share results with microbiology and CLS teams.
• Follow sterile techniques and safety protocols to prevent contamination.

Skills

Hands-on microbiology

Plating & culture prep

Meat plating experience

Lab notebooks & Excel logs

Microbiology/biochemistry knowledge

SOPs & safety compliance

PPE & safety procedures

Data entry & documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Microbiology/Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Food Science/Biotechnology

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate

The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role supports a new product launch by performing hands-on laboratory work, maintaining precise records, and contributing to daily lab operations. The position plays a key part in application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution while helping maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organized research laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of a research and development team.
• Perform routine microbiology techniques, including plating, culture preparation, and meat plating to support ongoing projects.
• Execute application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials in alignment with project plans and timelines.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records, including lab notebooks and Excel-based data logs, to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Support daily laboratory operations such as preparing media and reagents, sterilizing equipment, and organizing workspaces.
• Ensure general lab maintenance by monitoring supplies, maintaining cleanliness, and following standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate closely with the microbiology team and Customer Lab Services (CLS) team to coordinate experiments and share results.
• Follow sterile techniques and good laboratory practices to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality experimental outcomes.
• Handle chemicals, solvents, and biological materials safely in accordance with established safety protocols and PPE requirements.
• Contribute to a productive, team-oriented research environment by communicating clearly, sharing findings, and supporting colleagues as needed.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of trials related to new product launches in food technologies.
• Use computer applications, including spreadsheets, to analyze, organize, and report experimental data.

Essential Skills

• Previous hands-on microbiology laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in microbiology techniques such as plating, culture preparation, and sterile techniques.
• Experience with meat plating in a microbiology or food science context (highly preferred).
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and Excel data logs.
• Knowledge of basic and applied microbiology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, food science, or biotechnology.
• Capability to follow laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Ability to lift 30-40 lb bags or 20-liter cans of solvents on occasion and carry them short distances.
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform tasks that involve walking, twisting, bending, sitting, squatting, and reaching.
• Competence in using computers for data entry, analysis, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Interest in food technologies, shelf-life extension, and pathogen control applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality laboratory data.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment, including R&D and customer lab services.
• Willingness to support a time-bound project with potential for extension based on project needs and progress.

Work Environment

This role is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position begins as a six-month contract supporting a new product launch in food technologies, with the possibility of extension or conversion depending on project needs, though this is not guaranteed. The role is based in a state-of-the-art research and development facility that offers modern amenities such as an on-site cafeteria, coffee options, and a gym on campus. The laboratory environment is a typical bio/chemical manufacturing setting with ambient room temperature, good ventilation, bright lighting, and low background noise, involving both standing and sitting at the bench and moderate computer use. Work involves frequent exposure to chemicals and biological materials that can be harmful if not handled properly, so adherence to safety procedures is essential. The position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which is provided and includes safety glasses, thermal gloves, aprons, face shields, ear protection, safety-toed shoes, hair and beard nets, gloves, lab coats, respirators, uniforms, and other job-specific GMP and quality-related attire. The physical environment involves periodic lifting of 30-40 lb bags or 20-liter cans of solvents and the ability to carry them for short distances, as well as the ability to walk, twist, bend, sit, squat, reach, and stand for extended periods while performing laboratory tasks.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Des Moines,IA.
• Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.