Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant Assay Development Lab Job Description
The Research Assistant will support an assay development laboratory by performing ELISA and MSD platform testing for non-cell-based assays, contributing to method development, and ensuring high-quality data in a dynamic contract research environment. This role offers extensive hands-on laboratory work, exposure to a wide variety of projects and assays, and significant cross-training opportunities in a growing organization.
Responsibilities
- Perform ELISA testing in an assay-based laboratory environment, following established protocols and quality standards.
- Run ELISA and MSD platform assays for non-cell-based testing, ensuring accurate setup, execution, and documentation of experiments.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including pipettes, fume hoods, and other standard assay instrumentation.
- Review assay data and perform quality control checks to verify that controls and results are within defined specifications.
- Assist with method and assay development activities, including optimization of protocols and evaluation of new assay approaches.
- Analyze experimental results, interpret data, and determine appropriate next steps based on findings.
- Support a variety of client projects and studies in a contract research organization (CRO) environment, adapting to changing project needs and timelines.
- Participate in training on multiple assay types and engage in cross-training across different laboratory areas to broaden technical expertise.
- Collaborate with colleagues across formulations, assay, and tissue culture laboratories to ensure smooth project execution and data integrity.
- Contribute to a team-oriented culture by sharing knowledge, assisting coworkers, and maintaining clear and professional communication.
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices while working with biological samples and assay reagents.
- Document experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately in laboratory records and reports.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science field.
- 13 years of laboratory experience, preferably in an assay-based or CRO environment.
- Hands-on experience with ELISA testing, with the ability to independently set up and run assays.
- Experience with MSD platform assays for non-cell-based testing.
- Background in assay development, including optimization and validation of assay methods.
- Strong laboratory techniques, including precise pipetting and careful handling of samples and reagents.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends or issues, and troubleshoot assay results.
- Experience with flow cytometry and cell culture techniques.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
- Interest in learning new techniques and expanding technical skills through cross-training.
- Team-oriented approach with a willingness to help and support coworkers and contribute to shared goals.
- Experience with ELISA, MSD, and assay development strongly preferred.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Degree in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related life sciences.
- Exposure to contract research organization (CRO) operations and client-focused project work.
- Familiarity with quality control processes and data review in an assay development setting.
- Comfort working with blood samples, plasma, and other biological materials in a formulations or assay lab.
- Ability to communicate clearly about experimental design, results, and troubleshooting steps.
- Adaptability and curiosity, with a strong desire for continuous learning and professional development.
- Appreciation for variety in day-to-day work and enjoyment of hands-on laboratory activities.
Work Environment
This role is based in a busy, growing laboratory environment within a contract research setting that supports a wide range of client projects and studies. The facility includes three primary labs: a formulations lab that handles blood samples and plasma, an assay lab focused on ELISA and MSD platform testing, and a tissue culture lab that supports cell-based work and immunochemistry. You will work closely with a small assay team that is expanding to increase capacity, as well as colleagues in study direction, study coordination, operations, business logistics, and supply chain management. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with significant exposure to diverse assays and methodologies and frequent cross-training across different labs. Work is primarily conducted at the bench using standard laboratory equipment such as pipettes, fume hoods, and assay instrumentation, with an emphasis on safety, accuracy, and high-quality data generation. The culture values learning, variety, teamwork, and hands-on scientific work, offering strong opportunities for skill development and career growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Denver, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $42.00/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. 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 Denver,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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 [email protected] 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.