Job Description
Job DescriptionJob Title: Research Associate
Job Description
Join a collaborative team conducting basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Maintain accurate laboratory records and support daily lab operations including plating, culture preparation, and sterilization. Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial executions while ensuring general lab maintenance.
Responsibilities
- Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
- Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including notebooks and Excel data logs.
- Support daily lab operations such as plating, culture preparation, and sterilization.
- Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution.
- Ensure general lab maintenance and contribute to a productive research environment.
Essential Skills
- Proficiency in biology, microbiology, and food science.
- Experience with plating, culture preparation, and sterile techniques.
- Hands-on microbiology lab experience.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology or related field.
- Meat plating experience is highly preferred.
Work Environment
The position is a 3-month contract, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, supporting a new product launch with a possibility of extension. Work in a state-of-the-art R&D lab at headquarters with amenities like Starbucks, a cafeteria, and a gym. Physical effort may be required, including lifting bags or cans up to 40 lbs and standing for long periods. The lab is well-ventilated and requires use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, thermal gloves, aprons, and more. Frequent exposure to chemicals requires adherence to safety protocols.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Des Moines, Iowa.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Des Moines,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 2025.
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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.