Lab Research Assistant

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Assistant to help develop new, sustainable biosolutions based on RNAi technology that are environmentally friendly and safe for animal and human health. This position involves basic molecular biology work and insect bioassays. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, sterile techniques for bacterial culture maintenance, good problem-solving skills, and a strong desire to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Support a laboratory that engineers bacterial strains. This includes growing and analyzing bacterial cultures, performing typical molecular biology tasks such as PCR, plasmid and genomic DNA extraction, RNA extraction, restriction digestion, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Design, conduct, and assess insect bioassays and whole plant assays in laboratory and greenhouse environments.
• Rear and maintain insects to support R&D activities.
• Maintain plants.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, data, and results.
• Manage and regularly communicate progress on assigned projects to the Laboratory Operations Director and Program Management Office.
• Manage resources required to complete assigned projects.
• Report results in research team meetings and assist in assembling reports to be communicated to the broader organization and external partners.
• Conduct research in accordance with or exceeding all relevant Health, Safety, and Environmental guidelines.
• Provide detailed and accurate project time tracking as requested, usually twice a month.

Essential Skills

• Must have a bachelor's or master's degree in molecular biology.
• Must have at least 1 year of working experience in molecular biology (undergraduate experience does not count).
• Experience with DNA, RNA, and protein extraction.
• Experience with PCR, including setting up PCR reactions.
• Experience with cloning, plasmid extraction, restriction digestion, and gel electrophoresis.
• Basic sterile technique.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and work wherever needed within the lab.
• Start-up mentality with a desire to learn, grow, be flexible, and contribute ideas.
• Ability to follow established protocols and assist in developing new protocols.
• Experience in a laboratory environment with safe work practices, including handling bacteria and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to lift and move items up to 30 pounds.
• Strong motivation for continuous learning.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate time-sensitive experiments, including working during weekends.
• Proficiency in standard computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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 St. Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 26, 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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are 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

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $25 - $27