Research Associate I

Job Title: Research Associate IJob Description We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to join the Structural Biology and Protein Sciences group. The successful candidate will support recombinant protein production efforts primarily utilizing insect cell expression systems. This role involves maintaining eukaryotic cell cultures, generating and managing high-titer baculovirus stocks, and performing multi-liter scale protein expression and harvest workflows. You will also execute plate-based expression and purification profiling to enable rapid screening of construct and condition variants. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate efficiently in a fast-paced research environment are essential. Responsibilities + Maintain healthy eukaryotic cell cultures, including insect Sf9, Sf21, High Five, and/or mammalian expression lines. + Generate, amplify, and quality-control baculovirus stocks, including centralized storage and record management. + Execute multi-liter scale recombinant protein expression experiments, including infection culture monitoring and cell harvest. + Perform small-scale plate-based expression and purification profiling to assess expression levels, solubility, and purification behavior. + Maintain accurate and timely records of experimental data, cell line usage, and virus stock inventories. + Operate and maintain basic laboratory instrumentation and contribute to general lab support activities as needed. + Collaborate closely with team members to optimize expression workflows and troubleshoot technical issues. Essential Skills + Mammalian cell culture + Aseptic technique + Purification Additional Skills & Qualifications + BS degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. + Minimum of 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience, including work with insect cell culture (e.g., Sf9, Sf21, Hi5) and/or mammalian cell culture systems. + Demonstrated experience in aseptic technique and routine maintenance of suspension cultures. + Experience with the baculovirus expression system, including donor plasmid preparation, bacmid generation, and virus amplification. + Familiarity with plate-based expression and purification approaches (e.g., 24-96 well plates) and rapid IMAC and other affinity-based screens. + Experience conducting multi-liter expression campaigns and associated downstream sample handling. + Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills. + Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams. Work Environment The work environment is fast-paced, requiring the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. It involves working with various laboratory technologies and equipment. The role requires maintaining detailed and accurate records, contributing to general lab support activities, and collaborating with team members to optimize workflows. The dress code is professional laboratory attire. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/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: u2022 Medical, dental & vision u2022 Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital u2022 401(k) Retirement Plan u2013 Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available u2022 Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) u2022 Short and long-term disability u2022 Health Spending Account (HSA) u2022 Transportation benefits u2022 Employee Assistance Program u2022 Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 9, 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 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 ( ) for other accommodation options.

Created: 2026-02-25