Research Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Research Associate

Job Description

Perform basic and applied microbiological research to support innovation and safety in the food industry. Conduct microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry research in a collaborative team environment. Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and Excel documents. Perform general laboratory maintenance and support daily lab operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiological research to support food safety and innovation.
• Collaborate with team members in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry research projects.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records in laboratory notebooks and Excel.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance and support daily lab operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Work Environment

The position is a 3-month contract role until the end of December, supporting a new product launch. Work is conducted in a state-of-the-art facility with a Starbucks, cafeteria, and gym on campus. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with flexibility required depending on project needs. The role involves occasional physical effort, such as lifting 30-40 lbs bags or 20-liter cans of solvents, and requires standing for long periods in a laboratory setting.

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 :

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.