Research Associate I - Assay Development/Wet Laboratory
The Research Associate I role supports early-phase assay development through laboratory experimentation, scientific research, and manufacturing procedures within a biotechnology setting. The position requires designing and executing experiments, documenting results, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, while also assisting with basic computational biology tasks. This entry-level contract role offers hands-on experience in a regulated laboratory environment with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Research Associate I to support early-phase assay development within the PHCS/CDx group in Oro Valley, AZ. This is a long-term contract position with the possibility of extension. The role combines wet-lab experimentation, basic manufacturing procedures, documentation, and introductory computational biology tasks prior to clinical laboratory transfer.
What You’ll Do
- Perform research, development, and manufacturing laboratory experiments supporting early-phase assay development.
- Design, execute, interpret, and document experiments.
- Prepare protocols, technical reports, summaries, and quantitative analyses.
- Present experimental results to project and department teams.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic documentation.
- Follow GMP, GLP, Design Control, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Conduct assigned experiments independently and support team members with basic computational biology tasks (running scripts, reading code).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field.
- 0–2 years of relevant laboratory or industry experience (entry-level).
- Comfortable working in wet-lab environments and following regulated lab practices (GMP/GLP).
- Basic familiarity with running simple scripts and reading code; strong attention to detail and laboratory record-keeping.
- Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to present experimental results to teams.
Important: Candidates with a Master’s/PhD or >2 years of relevant experience are considered overqualified.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay rate: $27/hr on W2.
- Employment type: Contract (long-term; possibility of extension). Employment classification in posting: CONTRACTOR and FULL_TIME.
- Benefits (provided by Confidential Client): medical coverage, paid sick leave, 401(k) — as available for contract hires.
Interview & Hiring Process
- Initial 15-minute video screening → on-site panel interview for advancing candidates.
- Careertakes is acting as the third-party recruiting platform supporting this search; if hired, you will be employed directly by Confidential Client.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. All hiring follows applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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