Research Associate I

Job Title: Research Associate I Job Description
The Research Associate will support the Nonclinical Research team by preparing and executing laboratory-based assays that facilitate nonclinical study execution. This hands-on role demands practical laboratory expertise, familiarity with molecular biology techniques, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a dependable work ethic. The successful candidate will collaborate across the team to ensure studies are prepared, conducted, and documented accurately and efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Support nonclinical research activities across gene therapy, RNA, and siRNA programs.
- Prepare for and perform laboratory-based assays in support of nonclinical study execution, following approved methods and protocols.
- Coordinate study setup, materials, reagents, samples, and laboratory supplies to ensure study readiness.
- Process cells and tissues for molecular analyses, including cryosectioning and protein or nucleic acid isolation and quantification.
- Perform accurate and timely data entry and maintain laboratory notebooks, study records, and supporting documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Organize, collect, and file study data and records to support traceability and data integrity.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.
- Support laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, instrument maintenance, inventory management, and ordering of laboratory materials.
- Collaborate with team members to manage priorities, resolve routine laboratory issues, and meet study timelines.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
- At least one year of hands-on laboratory experience is preferred.
- Working knowledge of molecular biology assays and core laboratory techniques, such as pipetting, reagent preparation, weighing, cryosectioning, and protein or nucleic acid isolation and quantification.
- Ability to follow study protocols, written methods, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately and consistently.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, reliability, initiative, and commitment to high-quality work.
- High standards for data integrity, documentation, and recordkeeping.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Biology, virology, PCR, molecular biology, AAV, animal research, RNA, gene therapy.
Work Environment
This is a laboratory environment where the candidate will spend most of their day working with animals, as well as some time working at a desk. The facility is a new state-of-the-art setup within a growing start-up company in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH. 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
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shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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