Research Associate, Scientific Services

Altasciences Company; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision insurance plans

401(k)/RRSP with employer match

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid sick and bereavement leave

Employee assistance & telehealth

Job summary

Altasciences is seeking a Research Associate to support preclinical studies and animal welfare. You will work closely with study teams to provide daily care, humane handling, and procedural support for multiple species in a fast-paced environment.

The role offers hands-on experience in laboratory animal science, sample collection, and data recording while collaborating with veterinarians and scientists to ensure study integrity and compliance with protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associates or Bachelors in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Tech, or Life Sciences preferred.
• ALAT certification preferred or interest in obtaining.
• Experience with animal handling or research is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Daily care, handling, and procedural support for study animals.
• Perform routine observations and monitor health and well-being.
• Provide humane handling, enrichment, feeding, and husbandry for various species.
• Assist with sample collection, dosing procedures, and catheter support.
• Support veterinary and research staff during procedures and anesthetic events.
• Record study data per protocols and GLP standards.
• Maintain organized, clean, and compliant work areas.
• Collaborate with study directors and veterinarians to ensure study success.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Adaptability

Willingness to learn

ALAT certification interest

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science/ Biology/ Veterinary Technology/ Life Sciences

Job description

About The Role

Are you passionate about animal care and interested in supporting medical and scientific breakthroughs? Join our team as a Research Associate and play a vital role in advancing research that helps improve human and animal health.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in preclinical research, laboratory animal science, or the life sciences.

In this hands-on role, you'll work closely with research animals and study teams to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare while contributing to studies that support the development of new medicines and therapies. You'll gain valuable experience working with a variety of species, advanced research techniques, and industry-leading scientists.

What You'll Do

As a Research Associate, you'll be an integral member of the research team, providing daily care, handling, and procedural support for study animals while ensuring compliance with study protocols and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include:

• Performing routine animal observations and monitoring overall health and well-being.
• Providing humane handling, restraint, enrichment, feeding, and husbandry support for a variety of research species, including mice, rats, rabbits, canines, swine, and non-human primates.
• Assisting with sample collection activities such as blood collection, urine collection, dosing procedures, and catheter support.
• Supporting veterinary and research staff during study procedures and anesthetic events.
• Collecting and accurately recording study data in accordance with protocols, SOPs, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
• Operating laboratory equipment and preparing materials needed for study activities.
• Identifying and reporting changes in animal health, behavior, or environmental conditions.
• Maintaining organized, clean, and compliant work areas.
• Collaborating with study directors, supervisors, veterinarians, and fellow research staff to ensure successful study execution.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Work directly with animals every day in a science-driven environment.
• Gain hands-on experience with multiple research species and in vivo techniques.
• Learn from experienced scientists, veterinarians, and laboratory animal professionals.
• Develop highly sought-after skills in preclinical research and laboratory animal science.
• Contribute to research programs that help bring new therapies and treatments to patients.
• Opportunities for training, certification support, and career advancement.

What You'll Bring

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous animal handling, veterinary, agricultural, zoological, laboratory animal, or research experience is a plus, but not required.
• Passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to providing exceptional care.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Comfortable learning new procedures, technologies, and research techniques.
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to take on new challenges.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• ALAT certification or interest in obtaining certification is preferred.

Ideal Backgrounds

• Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals
• Veterinary technician programs
• Animal shelters and rescue organizations
• Zoos and aquariums
• Livestock and agricultural settings
• Laboratory animal facilities
• Biology, animal science, and life science degree programs

Join us and help advance life-changing research while making animal welfare a top priority every step of the way.

Work Authorization & Sponsorship:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Altasciences is unable to provide sponsorship, sponsorship transfers, or visa maintenance for this position. All applicants must possess valid work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

What We Offer

Altasciences offers a wide variety of benefits to help our employees live healthy and fulfilling lives both at and outside of work.

Altasciences' Benefits Package Includes:

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs
• Telework when applicable.

Altasciences' Incentive Programs Include:

• Training & Development Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus Program