Research Associate III - Assay Transfer

Job Title: Research Associate III - Assay Transfer Job Description The Research Associate III – Assay Transfer plays a key role in bridging product development and manufacturing by leading complex laboratory work that supports the successful transfer and scale-up of reagent products. This role focuses on process characterization, assay transfer, and continuous improvement within a regulated environment, using advanced wet lab and biological techniques to ensure products are manufacturable, robust, and aligned with quality standards. Responsibilities Facilitate the transition of products from Development to Manufacturing as an integral member of the Assay Transfer team.Initiate, direct, and execute process characterizations, scientific research, and manufacturing process strategies to support new and existing reagent products.Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems to ensure manufacturability and improve processes, applying aspects of Design for Six Sigma and Design for Quality and Manufacturability (DQM).Plan and execute laboratory research related to process characterization, scale-up activities, and improving process capability for reagent products.Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles, theories, and experimental approaches relevant to biological assays and manufacturing processes.Prepare manufacturing documentation and complete transfer activities for new products, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with internal standards.Use professional scientific concepts to contribute to the development of product and process principles and to achieve project objectives in creative and effective ways.Lead the design, execution, and troubleshooting of complex laboratory protocols and bench experiments with minimal supervision.Utilize deep analytical judgment as a subject matter expert to solve complex technical problems, optimize laboratory workflows, and identify opportunities for patents or publications.Maintain meticulous experimental records, analyze quantitative data, and generate comprehensive technical reports while championing Quality First Time standards.Partner actively across organizational boundaries, participate in cross-functional technical teams, and communicate experimental findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.Contribute creatively to project planning and strategy, helping to define experimental approaches and timelines for assay transfer and process improvement projects.Help implement laboratory improvements, including optimization of procedures, tools, and documentation practices to enhance efficiency and data quality.Train and mentor other team members in areas of expertise, including experimental techniques, data analysis methods, and best practices for documentation and quality.Search and review scientific literature to gain general and specific information that informs experimental design, troubleshooting, and process optimization. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (such as biological science or related field).4–6 years of post-college experience in a relevant scientific or technical role.Hands-on experience with wet lab and biological techniques, including routine and complex assay execution.Experience working in a regulated environment, ideally within product development and/or manufacturing operations.Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex laboratory protocols and bench experiments with minimal supervision.Strong analytical judgment and problem-solving skills for addressing complex technical challenges and optimizing workflows.Ability to perform process characterization and scale-up activities for reagent or assay-related products.Experience preparing clear and accurate manufacturing documents and technical reports.Proficiency in maintaining meticulous laboratory records and analyzing quantitative data.Capability to apply scientific principles and concepts to evaluate manufacturability and process improvements.Skill in searching and interpreting scientific literature to inform experimental design and problem-solving.Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, graphical, and presentation software applications.Effective communication skills for collaborating across cross-functional technical teams and presenting findings to stakeholders. Additional Skills & Qualifications Diverse experience across different types of wet lab, assay, or biological science environments is considered a strong plus.Experience applying concepts from Design for Six Sigma and Design for Quality and Manufacturability (DQM) to product and process development.Experience in reagent product development and assay transfer activities is highly beneficial.Experience identifying patent or publication opportunities from technical work.Demonstrated ability to contribute creatively to project planning and laboratory improvements.Experience training and mentoring colleagues in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and documentation practices. Work Environment This is an onsite Research Associate III position within a laboratory and manufacturing support environment. The role involves extensive hands-on work in wet lab settings, including assay development, process characterization, and reagent product support. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in development and manufacturing, using standard laboratory equipment and analytical tools as well as common office software for documentation, data analysis, and presentations. The environment emphasizes high-quality documentation, adherence to regulated processes, and collaboration across organizational boundaries, with a strong focus on Quality First Time standards and continuous improvement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Oro Valley, AZ. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $34.00/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 Oro Valley,AZ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026. 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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 condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.