Scientist II

Actalent; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Life Insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Transportation benefits

Time Off/Leave (PTO)

10 paid holidays

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist II to support advanced research in a hands-on laboratory setting in Hillsboro, OR. You will work with senior scientists to design, execute, and analyze experiments, develop testing methods, and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.

The role emphasizes data acquisition, imaging, and software-enabled analysis, with a focus on documentation, reporting, and collaboration within research teams. On-site work and a contract arrangement are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences required.
• Strong background in biological sciences and laboratory research.
• Experience in setting up, conducting, and monitoring experiments.
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and experimental systems.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and scientific testing environments.
• Strong computer and software skills for data acquisition and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within research teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, and execute laboratory experiments according to established research objectives.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data.
• Monitor and maintain ongoing experiments and testing activities.
• Operate a variety of laboratory instrumentation and specialized testing equipment.
• Perform imaging, characterization, and surface analysis activities using advanced laboratory techniques.
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends, optimize performance, and support research conclusions.
• Assist in developing software tools, data acquisition methods, and analytical processes.
• Support development and validation of laboratory procedures and testing methodologies.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to investigate and resolve technical issues.
• Prepare technical summaries, reports, presentations, and research updates.
• Present findings and project updates to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and records in accordance with established procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory operations and research activities.

Skills

Experiment setup

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Data acquisition

Independent work

Collaboration

Communication

Software for data analysis

Imaging/Microscopy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Molecular Biology degree preferred

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Job Title: Scientist IIJob Description

We are seeking a Scientist II to support advanced research and development activities in a highly innovative laboratory environment. This role will work closely with senior scientists and engineers to conduct experiments, analyze data, develop new testing methods, and support ongoing research programs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific foundation, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for hands‑on laboratory work. This position offers the opportunity to gain exposure to advanced instrumentation, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration while contributing to cutting‑edge technology development.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, and execute laboratory experiments according to established research objectives.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data.
• Monitor and maintain ongoing experiments and testing activities.
• Operate a variety of laboratory instrumentation and specialized testing equipment.
• Perform imaging, characterization, and surface analysis activities using advanced laboratory techniques.
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends, optimize performance, and support research conclusions.
• Assist in developing software tools, data acquisition methods, and analytical processes.
• Support development and validation of laboratory procedures and testing methodologies.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to investigate and resolve technical issues.
• Prepare technical summaries, reports, presentations, and research updates.
• Present findings and project updates to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and records in accordance with established procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory operations and research activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences required.
• Strong background in biological sciences and laboratory research.
• Experience in setting up, conducting, and monitoring experiments.
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and experimental systems.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and scientific testing environments.
• Strong computer and software skills for data acquisition and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within research teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Molecular Biology degree preferred.
• Experience with microscopy, imaging systems, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with data analysis, regression analysis, curve fitting, or image processing.
• Exposure to software development, automation, or laboratory control systems.
• Research experience gained through industry, academic laboratories, or internships.

Work Environment

The work environment is a highly innovative laboratory setting offering exposure to advanced instrumentation and research methodologies. The role involves hands‑on laboratory work, requiring strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills. Benefits include 80 hours of PTO, 10 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, health savings account (HSA), life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, employee assistance program, and transportation benefits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hillsboro, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $35.00/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.

• 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‑term 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 Hillsboro,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.