Assistant Scientist

Job Title: Assistant Scientist Job Description We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Assistant Scientist to join our team. The ideal candidate will hold a B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Biochemistry and possess experience in a laboratory environment with strong analytical skills. A solid scientific educational experience with laboratory coursework is essential. The candidate should have experience with DNA extraction, PCR, and immunoassay techniques, as well as proficiency in PC skills and the ability to learn new software and systems. Effective communication and the ability to work independently in a team-based environment are crucial. Responsibilities + Perform processing and analysis of environmental samples for the presence of potential biological threat agents. + Assist with sample in-processing, DNA preparation, immunoassay, and PCR analysis. + Enter data into laboratory information management and sample management systems. + Maintain general laboratory housekeeping duties. + Conduct robotic DNA extraction using the KingFisher Flex system. + Perform immunoassays via the Luminex MAGPIX system. + Conduct qPCR using the Life Technologies QS5 system. + Perform molecular biology tasks including DNA, RNA, and protein purification and quantification, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and recombinant protein expression. Essential Skills + B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Biochemistry. + Knowledge and experience in a laboratory environment. + Basic laboratory and analytical skills. + Experience in DNA extraction, PCR, and immunoassay. + Proficiency in PC skills and ability to learn new software and systems. + Effective communication and teamwork skills. + Ability to work independently. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with sample management and quality assurance. + Aseptic technique and wet chemistry knowledge. + MUST BE A US PASSPORT HOLDER WITH THE ABILITY TO OBTAIN A SECURITY CLEARANCE. Work Environment This position requires working in a secure lab environment within a military facility. The role involves a 5-day, 8-hour third shift schedule from Tuesday to Saturday, 8 pm to 5 am, subject to change based on client needs. Additional weekend and holiday work may be required. Be a part of providing health and safety solutions that can reach anyone. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Gaithersburg, MD. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Gaithersburg,MD. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 7, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is 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 Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, weu2019ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APACu2014with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at .

Created: 2026-03-27