Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Research Associate – Protein Engineering
Job Description
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic Protein Engineering group focused on expressing, purifying, characterizing, and improving protein function. The Research Associate prepares critical reagents, performs recombinant protein expression and purification, and conducts analytical assays to support research and development activities. The position combines hands-on wet-lab work, meticulous documentation, and continuous process improvement within a collaborative scientific environment.
Responsibilities
- Prepare reagents and materials required for protein purification and related experiments in a timely and safe manner.
- Express proteins in recombinant systems to support protein engineering and characterization studies.
- Purify proteins using gravity flow chromatography and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) systems.
- Analyze proteins using SDS-PAGE, western blotting, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and other relevant assays.
- Perform routine laboratory support tasks, including general lab cleaning and maintenance to ensure a well-organized workspace.
- Maintain lab supply inventory, monitor stock levels, and assist with ordering to support uninterrupted experimental workflows.
- Operate, maintain, and perform basic housekeeping on laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance.
- Keep accurate, updated experimental notes in predetermined formats and databases, ensuring clear and complete documentation.
- Troubleshoot experimental processes and assays as needed, identifying issues and implementing solutions.
- Actively promote and follow laboratory safety practices to maintain a safe working environment.
- Continuously look for opportunities to improve laboratory processes and workflows, and help the team implement enhancements.
- Collaborate effectively with team members while also managing independent tasks and responsibilities.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
- Strong wet-lab skills, including accurate pipetting, solution handling, and basic laboratory techniques.
- Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- High attention to detail and the ability to stay focused on tasks and experimental protocols.
- Experience with problem identification, problem solving, and process improvement in a laboratory setting.
- Self-motivated and goal-oriented mindset with a commitment to personal and technical growth.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for documenting experiments and collaborating with colleagues.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with protein purification techniques.
- Experience in molecular biology methods.
- Experience preparing buffers and solutions for biochemical assays.
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression systems.
- Exposure to or experience with phage display technologies.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, first-shift laboratory role, working Monday through Friday. The position is based in a research and development environment that utilizes standard biochemical and molecular biology equipment, including FPLC systems, electrophoresis and western blot apparatus, and instruments for dynamic light scattering and other analytical assays. The work involves frequent bench work, handling of reagents and biological samples, and operation of specialized instrumentation. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with regular lab maintenance and equipment housekeeping as part of daily activities. Team members collaborate closely while also managing independent experiments in a structured, process-oriented setting
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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, 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 Johnston,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.