Biochemistry Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Associate Upstream Protein ExpressionJob DescriptionThis entry-level, on-site Research Associate role supports a discovery and preclinical team by executing upstream protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows. The position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals in biochemistry or related life sciences who want a hands-on, lab-based role focused on protein science rather than clinical operations. You will contribute directly to research efforts that leverage a proprietary protein replacement therapy platform aimed at developing fusion proteins to address rare diseases.

Responsibilities

• Perform upstream protein expression using appropriate systems, buffers, and conditions to support discovery and preclinical studies.
• Prepare buffers and reagents accurately to support protein expression, purification, and analytical workflows.
• Run gels and western blots to analyze protein expression levels, confirm protein identity, and assess sample quality.
• Conduct protein purification using chromatography-based methods and other relevant techniques.
• Carry out biophysical characterization of proteins to evaluate purity, stability, and other key attributes.
• Operate AKTA systems to perform large-scale chromatography at several-liter scale as needed.
• Occasionally perform purification using gravity columns and loose resins when appropriate.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized laboratory records, including experimental conditions, observations, and results.
• Clearly communicate findings, progress, and issues to the broader team in a timely and transparent manner.
• Collaborate with team members in a discovery/preclinical lab environment, asking questions and offering support to ensure high-quality scientific outcomes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Biochemistry strongly preferred; a bachelors degree in a related Life Science field is acceptable.
• 03 years of industry experience in a relevant laboratory setting; recent graduates are welcome.
• If no industry experience, strong undergraduate research experience in protein-related work is required.
• Hands-on experience with protein expression in a laboratory environment.
• Practical experience with buffer preparation to support protein expression and purification workflows.
• Experience running gels and performing western blotting for protein detection and analysis.
• Ability to maintain clear, detailed, and organized laboratory documentation.
• Strong communication skills to share results, raise issues, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Comfort working in a discovery or preclinical research lab setting without reliance on GMP frameworks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with AKTA chromatography systems for protein purification.
• Experience with large-scale purification workflows, including several-liter scale operations.
• Experience using gravity columns and loose resins for protein purification.
• Background or exposure to discovery and preclinical research environments.
• Comfort asking questions, seeking clarification, and contributing to a supportive team culture.
• Interest in protein replacement therapy platforms and research targeting rare diseases.
• Motivation to grow within a dynamic, early-stage biotech environment and contribute to building lab capabilities.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based on-site, full-time, in a laboratory setting in King of Prussia, PA. You will work in a discovery and preclinical research lab equipped for protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization, including the use of AKTA chromatography systems, gels, and western blotting equipment. The environment is collaborative and communicative, where team members are encouraged to speak up when something seems off and to ask questions freely. The culture emphasizes mutual support, scientific rigor, and attention to detail without micromanagement, balancing a sense of humor with a strong focus on high-quality experimental work. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to an innovative protein replacement therapy platform in a start-up biotech setting, providing exposure to impactful research on rare diseases. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of King of Prussia, PA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of King of Prussia, PA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in King of Prussia,PA.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.

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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.

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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.

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