Lab Research Analyst

Job Title: Lab Research Analyst I Job Description
The Lab Research Analyst I is a hands-on laboratory scientist who supports the development of new vaccines and therapeutics by studying immune responses in preclinical and clinical settings. This role focuses on processing human and animal samples, performing complex immunological and molecular biology assays, and generating high-quality data to advance cutting-edge vaccine research. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented bench scientist who enjoys highly precise, repetitive workflows and contributing directly to mission-driven science with global impact.
Responsibilities
- Receive and process human, macaque, and mouse samples from vaccine studies and clinical trials in accordance with established protocols.
- Isolate, enrich, culture, and sequence B cells to evaluate antibody responses following immunization.
- Perform cell culture work, including maintaining primary cell cultures and ensuring optimal growth conditions.
- Conduct molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid and RNA extraction, RT-PCR, PCR, qPCR, and sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Execute single-cell B-cell isolation and antibody gene sequencing workflows involving thousands of individual cell samples while maintaining sample integrity.
- Run immunological assays, including ELISA, bead-based immunoassays, immunofluorescence staining, and microscopy-based analyses to characterize immune responses.
- Utilize flow cytometry for cell sorting and analysis, including data analysis using FlowJo and GraphPad Prism, where applicable.
- Support recombinant antibody production, purification, and quality control activities to generate high-quality reagents.
- Maintain detailed, accurate experimental documentation and ensure all work complies with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory quality standards.
- Collaborate closely with scientists, laboratory leadership, and support staff to meet project milestones and regulatory deadlines.
- Assist with general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep, reagent preparation, inventory control, and supply tracking.
- Adhere to and promote best practices in sample handling, contamination control, and data integrity throughout all experimental workflows.
- Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment that relies on advanced robotics and sequencing equipment, ensuring precision and consistency in all tasks.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology, Botany, Psychology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years of laboratory research experience within an academic or equivalent research setting (a Masters degree may substitute for this experience).
- Hands-on experience with cell culture and primary cell culture techniques.
- Proficiency in nucleic acid extraction, including RNA extraction.
- Practical experience performing RT-PCR, PCR, qPCR, and related molecular biology techniques.
- Experience conducting ELISA and/or bead-based immunoassays.
- Strong foundation in immunology, vaccine research, molecular biology, or antibody-focused laboratory work.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain meticulous laboratory documentation and follow SOPs and quality standards.
- High level of precision, patience, and comfort performing highly detailed, repetitive bench workflows where accuracy and consistency are critical.
- Ability to handle fragile biological samples carefully and maintain sample integrity through complex laboratory processes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with single-cell PCR and antibody sequencing workflows.
- Experience preparing samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Flow cytometry experience, including cell sorting and data analysis using FlowJo.
- Experience with antibody repertoire analysis or immune profiling research.
- Exposure to vaccine, immunology, infectious disease, or antibody discovery research.
- Mouse handling and in vivo research experience.
- Familiarity with GraphPad Prism for data analysis and visualization.
- Experience working with high-throughput, robotics-assisted laboratory platforms.
- Interest in contributing to large-scale, complex research programs and multi-institutional collaborations.
- Motivation to grow through structured training, certifications, and exposure to advanced research administration and compliance environments.
Work Environment
This role is fully onsite within a high-volume laboratory that operates at the forefront of next-generation vaccine research, including areas such as HIV, emerging cancer vaccine platforms, and other advanced immunology programs. The laboratory environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, with staff working closely alongside faculty, scientists, and administrators who value communication, partnership, and shared problem-solving. The facility is equipped with advanced robotics, high-throughput sequencing platforms, and sophisticated analytical tools to support complex, large-scale research projects. Team members gain exposure to major federally funded research programs and a substantial research funding portfolio, offering stability, innovation, and opportunities for professional growth. Work involves extensive bench time, frequent handling of human and animal samples, and adherence to strict laboratory quality and safety standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Raleigh, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.23 - $31.73/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Raleigh, NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Raleigh,NC. 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.