Research Associate II - Assay Development

Actalent; Oro Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Research Associate II in Assay Development for an onsite role in Oro Valley, AZ. You will design, execute, and interpret experiments to support assay projects, ensuring compliance with GMP, GLP, and Design Control standards.

The position focuses on data-rich experimentation, technical reporting, and collaboration within cross-functional teams. A strong emphasis is placed on documentation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• 24 years of post-college laboratory experience in research, development, or manufacturing.
• Proficiency in wet laboratory techniques and accurate pipetting.
• Ability to conduct experiments independently and analyze quantitative data.
• Strong literature search and interpretation skills.
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations for data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental protocols with minimal supervision.
• Prepare and present technical reports, summaries, and analyses.
• Maintain GMP/GLP compliant documentation and Design Control alignment.
• Troubleshoot problems, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate in a team environment and contribute to project planning.
• Suggest process improvements for quality, efficiency, and reproducibility.
• Identify potentially patentable inventions arising from work.
• Train colleagues on techniques and documentation practices.
• Review relevant literature to inform experimental design.
• Use Office tools to organize data and communicate findings.

Skills

Wet lab techniques

Data analysis

Literature review

Technical reporting

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

GMP/GLP awareness

Agile/SAFe exposure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate II Assay DevelopmentJob Description

The Research Associate II in Assay Development conducts research, development, and manufacturing laboratory experimentation to support assay-related projects. This role designs, executes, and interprets experiments, prepares technical documentation, and contributes technical expertise to project strategies while ensuring full compliance with laboratory quality standards and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental protocols with minimal supervision, including making detailed observations and analyzing data to support assay development projects.
• Prepare and present clear technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses to project teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and compliant laboratory documentation in alignment with internal policies and quality systems such as GMP, GLP, and Design Control.
• Troubleshoot experimental and process-related problems, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment, providing creative scientific input and contributing to project planning and strategy.
• Offer process improvement suggestions that enhance efficiency, quality, and reproducibility of laboratory work.
• Assist in identifying patentable inventions and innovative approaches arising from experimental work.
• Train colleagues on laboratory techniques, procedures, and documentation practices, and monitor their work to ensure quality and adherence to the Quality First Time principle.
• Exercise sound judgment in selecting appropriate methods, techniques, and tools to solve complex technical problems.
• Search and review relevant scientific literature to inform experimental design, optimize methodologies, and stay current with advances in the field.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software to organize data, prepare documentation, and communicate findings effectively.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Life Sciences or a closely related discipline.
• 24 years of relevant post-college laboratory experience in research, development, or manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in wet laboratory techniques, including accurate pipetting and the use of laboratory equipment such as balances and stir plates.
• Ability to conduct experiments independently, record observations meticulously, and analyze quantitative data.
• Strong capability to search and interpret scientific literature to support experimental design and problem-solving.
• Skilled in using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software for data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution, data recording, and documentation.
• Coachable and receptive to feedback, with a demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new techniques and processes.
• Collaborative working style with a proven ability to contribute effectively within cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working within GMP and GLP laboratory environments and familiarity with Design Control processes.
• Exposure to SAFe or Agile planning processes and reporting frameworks in a scientific or technical setting.
• Demonstrated ability to suggest process improvements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience training peers or junior staff in laboratory procedures and documentation standards.
• Ability to identify potential patentable inventions or innovative methodologies arising from laboratory work.

Work Environment

This is an onsite laboratory position focused on assay development within a research and development environment. The role involves regular hands-on work in a wet lab setting, using equipment such as pipettes, balances, and stir plates, and adhering to GMP, GLP, and Design Control quality systems. Work is conducted in a structured, process-driven environment that emphasizes accuracy, documentation integrity, and the Quality First Time principle. Team members collaborate closely, share results and insights, and participate in Agile-style planning and reporting where applicable. Standard professional laboratory attire is expected, with appropriate safety practices and protective equipment used as required by laboratory protocols.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Oro Valley, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $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 Oro Valley,AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 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.