Research Associate Jobs in Belleville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Research Associate

Job Description

We are seeking an entry-level Research Associate to support wet lab and greenhouse execution for a plant transformation project. This role will focus heavily on hands-on plant tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, and routine experimental execution, supporting a Lead scientist leading the project. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist early in their career to gain real-world exposure to commercial plant biotechnology and trait development.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine plant tissue culture activities, including media preparation, explant handling, regeneration, selection, and plant maintenance.
• Support plant transformation experiments under the direction of the Lead Scientist.
• Execute molecular biology workflows related to transgenic plant development, including sample preparation and basic molecular assays as needed.
• Assist with transferring regenerated plants to greenhouse conditions and monitoring early growth.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, plant lines, and transformation outcomes.
• Support laboratory organization, preparation of reagents, and general lab maintenance.
• Follow biosafety, laboratory safety, and plant handling protocols.
• Assist with preparation of materials for experiments conducted at Helix and the Danforth Plant Science Center.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of hands-on experience with plant tissue culture (academic or industry).
• Comfort performing routine wet lab work with attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and follow established protocols.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to plant transformation or transgenic plant workflows.
• Experience working with plants in greenhouse or controlled growth environments.
• Academic or internship experience supporting ag-biotech or plant research projects.

Work Environment

The role involves supporting the lead scientist at the Helix Center and splitting time at the Danforth Center. The work environment includes both lab and greenhouse settings, requiring adherence to safety and plant handling protocols.

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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:
• 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 Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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