Entry Level Research Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Research Technologist

Entry-level | #1 Ranked Hospital Worldwide | Excellent Room For Growth

Job Description

The Research Technologist works in the Biospecimens Accessioning & Processing (BAP) Sample Intake Lab, serving as the primary entry point for specimens coming into the biorepository. This role focuses on receiving, tracking, and manually processing biological specimens, ensuring that each sample is accurately associated with patient data in laboratory information management systems (LIMS). The position supports numerous internal and external research groups by preparing and distributing specimens for time-sensitive studies, helping accelerate research by making high-quality samples and associated information readily available.

Responsibilities

• Receive and accession biological specimens in the Sample Intake Lab, ensuring accurate and timely logging into LIMS so each specimen is correctly associated with patient data.
• Manually process specimens for time-sensitive studies, following established protocols to maintain specimen integrity and quality.
• Prepare and distribute processed samples to other BAP areas and affiliated research and clinical laboratories.
• Track specimen movement and status within multiple LIMS systems to ensure clear, complete, and auditable records.
• Collaborate closely with study teams to troubleshoot issues related to specimen collection, handling, and processing, and to meet specific study requirements.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks such as manual pipetting and basic chemistry and biology procedures in accordance with quality and safety standards.
• Support quality improvement efforts in specimen handling and processing, identifying opportunities to enhance workflows and reduce errors.
• Assist with instrumentation use and basic troubleshooting to maintain smooth laboratory operations.
• Provide responsive and professional customer support to research and clinical teams who rely on biorepository services.
• Participate in daily or weekly lab rotations, adapting to different responsibilities and workflows within the Sample Intake and biorepository environment.
• Communicate clearly with team members and study staff to coordinate specimen intake, processing priorities, and issue resolution.
• Work effectively as part of a tight-knit, collaborative team, contributing to a positive and upbeat lab culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a human biological science such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, MN.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.