Research Technician II

Actalent; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Research Technician II to support immunology research in Durham, NC. You will prepare and process biological samples to evaluate immune responses, performing routine lab tests and data generation in a biocontainment environment.

You will collaborate daily with Lab Research Analysts, thaw and culture cells, operate the flow cytometer, and ensure supplies and PPE are stocked. Schedule is 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday, onsite as a contract role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Life Science discipline.
• 1–2 years of lab experience in academia or industry.
• Proficient in pipetting and sterile technique.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, process-driven environment.
• Demonstrated honesty, professionalism, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Partner daily with Lab Research Analysts.
• Thaw, count, culture, and stimulate cells.
• Monitor and operate the flow cytometer by following established guidelines.
• Track and stage samples for processing.
• Ensure laboratory materials, consumables, and PPE are properly organized and available.

Skills

Pipetting

Sterile technique

Flow cytometry

Attention to detail

Professionalism & ethics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science

Tools

Flow cytometer

Cell culture

Job description

Job Title: Research Technician II

Job Description

Support immunology research by preparing and processing biological samples to evaluate immune responses to vaccines, diseases, and treatments. Perform routine laboratory testing, sample preparation, and data-generating activities within a biocontainment laboratory environment. Follow established SOPs and work under the guidance of experienced analysts and laboratory leadership, assisting with high-volume sample processing efforts.

Responsibilities

• Partner daily with Lab Research Analysts.
• Thaw, count, culture, and stimulate cells.
• Monitor and operate the flow cytometer by following established guidelines.
• Track and stage samples for processing.
• Ensure laboratory materials, consumables, and PPE are properly organized and available.

Essential Skills

• Proficient in pipetting and sterile technique.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Bachelor's degree in a Life Science discipline.
• 1-2 years of laboratory experience, either in academia or industry.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly repetitive, process-driven environment.
• Demonstrated honesty, professionalism, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous flow cytometry experience is preferred.
• Hands-on cell culture and laboratory experience.
• Comfortable working with biological samples and following detailed SOPs.
• Understanding of accuracy, consistency, and high-volume sample processing.

Work Environment

This position requires working 100% onsite within a biocontainment laboratory environment. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Candidates should expect a process-driven work environment focused on high-volume sample processing and cell culture tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.65 - $22.85/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 Durham,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 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.