Senior Research Associate

Actalent; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 82,656,000 - 99,187,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Research Associate for our Des Moines, IA facility. The role involves performing laboratory experiments, operating analytical equipment, and supporting ongoing research with meticulous documentation and data presentation.

You will draft SOPs and research protocols, analyze data under supervision, and contribute to internal reports and publications. This contract position follows a 40-hour week on-site, with focus on safety, accuracy, and collaborative teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry with 0–3 years of related experience, or an Associate's degree with 2+ years of related experience.
• Hands‑on experience with pipetting in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography).
• Enzyme assay experience.
• Analytical laboratory skills with strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• High attention to detail in experimental work and documentation.
• Experience using Excel for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Reliable, self‑motivated, and able to work productively with supervision.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interact well with others and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision, following established procedures and safety standards.
• Operate laboratory equipment, including instruments used for pipetting, HPLC, and enzyme assays, to support ongoing research projects.
• Draft SOPs, research protocols, and research methods under supervision, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with internal standards.
• Perform basic data analysis with supervision, using appropriate analytical tools and methods to interpret experimental results.
• Collect, interpret, and document research data under supervision, maintaining accurate and organized records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Prepare research data and analytics in multiple formats, including tables, graphs, and summaries, to support internal reporting and decision-making.
• Present research data and findings in multiple formats, such as internal reports, presentations, or meetings, to communicate progress and outcomes to the team.
• Contribute to scientific publications and internal technical documents by providing data, analysis, and technical input.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in a laboratory environment, supporting shared goals and contributing to a positive and productive team culture.
• Maintain high attention to detail in all laboratory and documentation activities to ensure data integrity and reliable results.
• Manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently under supervision, prioritizing work to meet deadlines and project timelines.

Skills

Pipetting

HPLC

Enzyme assay

Data analysis

Excel

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry

Associate's degree with 2+ years experience

Tools

HPLC systems

Pipetting equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Research AssociateJob Description

The Senior Research Associate performs laboratory experiments within well-defined guidelines, operates analytical equipment, and supports research projects under direct supervision. This role contributes to the development, documentation, and presentation of scientific data, and plays a key part in internal research initiatives within a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision, following established procedures and safety standards.
• Operate laboratory equipment, including instruments used for pipetting, HPLC, and enzyme assays, to support ongoing research projects.
• Draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), research protocols, and research methods under supervision, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with internal standards.
• Perform basic data analysis with supervision, using appropriate analytical tools and methods to interpret experimental results.
• Collect, interpret, and document research data under supervision, maintaining accurate and organized records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Prepare research data and analytics in multiple formats, including tables, graphs, and summaries, to support internal reporting and decision-making.
• Present research data and findings in multiple formats, such as internal reports, presentations, or meetings, to communicate progress and outcomes to the team.
• Contribute to scientific publications and internal technical documents by providing data, analysis, and technical input.
• Collaborate effectively with team members in a laboratory environment, supporting shared goals and contributing to a positive and productive team culture.
• Maintain high attention to detail in all laboratory and documentation activities to ensure data integrity and reliable results.
• Manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently under supervision, prioritizing work to meet deadlines and project timelines.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry with 0–3 years of related experience, or an Associate's degree with 2+ years of related experience.
• Hands‑on experience with pipetting in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography).
• Enzyme assay experience.
• Analytical laboratory skills with strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• High attention to detail in experimental work and documentation.
• Experience using Excel for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Reliable, self‑motivated, and able to work productively with supervision.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interact well with others and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience drafting SOPs, research protocols, and research methods under supervision.
• Experience preparing and presenting research data in multiple formats for internal audiences.
• Interest in contributing to scientific publications and internal technical reports.
• Strong organizational skills for managing experimental workflows and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities in a research setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a state-of-the-art headquarters facility that supports a global ingredient manufacturing organization focused on improving the quality of life for a large portion of the world's population. The campus includes modern amenities such as a Starbucks, cafeteria, and gym. The position follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week) and is structured as a 6-month contract. The work takes place in an analytical laboratory environment using equipment such as pipettes, HPLC systems, and assay platforms. Team members work closely with scientists and researchers in a collaborative setting, with an emphasis on safety, precision, and high-quality scientific work. Dress expectations align with working in a professional laboratory setting, including appropriate lab attire and use of personal protective equipment as required.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/hr.

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