Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant Job Description
The Research Assistant supports clinical research studies in a cosmetics-focused environment by performing daily clinic and administrative tasks, assisting study coordinators, and helping ensure that all procedures follow Good Clinical Practice guidelines and standard operating procedures. This role offers an introduction to clinical research, with hands-on involvement in participant assessments, data collection, and laboratory-related activities within a professional office setting.
Responsibilities
- Perform daily clinic tasks to assist study coordinators with study procedures, including administering Electronic Self-Assessment Questionnaires (ESAQ), managing participant check-in processes, supporting informed consent signing, assisting with instrumentation, and providing photography assistance as needed.
- Carry out daily administrative tasks to support study preparation and conduct, such as preparing test materials, making appointment reminder calls or messages, and performing quality checks on study documents.
- Assist in the development and preparation of study paperwork and documentation for coordinators when required.
- Report to the clinic on time for all assigned studies and maintain reliability in attendance and scheduling.
- Perform all tasks in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, applicable regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
- Conduct clinical trial-related activities such as data entry, documentation, and basic laboratory or biology-related tasks under appropriate supervision.
- Examine participants as a grader or clinician and provide initial ratings of conditions after receiving training on the rating process from on-site medical staff.
- Operate laboratory equipment after receiving appropriate training, drawing on prior laboratory experience to ensure accurate and safe equipment use.
- Provide excellent customer service to clients and panelists, ensuring a positive, professional, and respectful experience for all study participants.
- Maintain positive and respectful interactions with peers and leadership, contributing to a collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Support other departments with assigned tasks when needed, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to assist across functions.
- Comply with all safety procedures and Operational Integrity processes, including adherence to clinic, laboratory, and office safety standards.
- Use Microsoft Office applications and standard office tools to manage study-related documentation, communication, and data tracking.
Essential Skills
- Customer service orientation with the ability to interact professionally with clients, panelists, and colleagues.
- Previous medical experience, such as medical assistant, phlebotomy, spa experience, or similar clinical exposure.
- Experience as a grader or clinician, or the ability to examine participants and provide initial ratings of conditions after training.
- Prior laboratory experience sufficient to allow training and safe use of laboratory equipment.
- Previous exposure to clinical trial environments, clinical research, or related healthcare settings.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and related tools for documentation and data entry.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure accurate data collection, documentation, and adherence to study protocols.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with participants, coordinators, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and study protocols in accordance with GCP guidelines, applicable regulations, and SOPs.
- Foundational knowledge or experience in laboratory, biology, or related scientific disciplines.
- Ability to perform accurate and timely data entry for clinical trial documentation and records.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as Microbiology, Health Studies, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Previous dermatology experience, particularly in examining and rating skin conditions, is highly desirable.
- Interest in cosmetics and cosmetic research, including skincare and related products.
- Experience working in a clinical, spa, or medical office setting.
- Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles and clinical research operations.
- Ability to adapt to varying study schedules, including standard and extended shifts, while maintaining professionalism and accuracy.
Work Environment
This role operates in a professional cosmetics research office environment focused on clinical studies. The position follows a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During sequester studies, which typically begin around late September or October, some study days will be 8 hours and some will be 12 hours. On sequester days, shifts may start at 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. and run through the end of the study period; when working a 12-hour study day, the following day is scheduled as a shorter day to support work-life balance. The work involves routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and Microsoft Office software, as well as laboratory and clinical equipment used in cosmetic and dermatological research. The environment is structured, process-driven, and safety-focused, with clear adherence to Operational Integrity procedures. Team members work closely with coordinators, clinical staff, and other departments in a collaborative and professional setting, with attire appropriate for a clinical office and laboratory-oriented research environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $45760.00/yr. 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 Phoenix,AZ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 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.

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regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

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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
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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
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