Research Lab Volunteer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Job Description

The Research Associate supports media preparation and laboratory operations in a high-throughput plant tissue culture environment. This role prepares and adjusts plant tissue culture media, maintains lab equipment and chemical inventory, and ensures strict adherence to safety and aseptic protocols. The position requires strong scientific fundamentals, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while collaborating with internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare plant tissue culture media following established protocols and quality standards.
• Adjust media formulations and troubleshoot preparation issues in collaboration with scientists.
• Track, prioritize, and document media requests using laboratory systems to meet project timelines.
• Clean, maintain, and perform routine checks on laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
• Manage chemical inventory, including labeling, storage, and monitoring stock levels.
• Communicate proactively with internal teams regarding media quality, delivery timelines, and any issues affecting workflow.
• Follow all safety, ergonomic, and aseptic procedures during media preparation and lab activities.
• Ensure compliance with chemical handling and biological hazard protocols and report any safety concerns.
• Stand for extended periods while performing laboratory work and media preparation tasks.
• Lift and move materials weighing between 20 and 45 pounds in a safe and ergonomic manner.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements with attention to ergonomic best practices.
• Handle multiple tasks efficiently in a high-throughput lab environment while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Work independently while effectively organizing daily tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Maintain clear, professional documentation and communication related to laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, agronomy, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, mathematics, and biology to support media preparation and lab work.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques and standard laboratory practices.
• Ability to multitask and manage several laboratory activities simultaneously.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards.
• Excellent communication skills in English, including spoken, written, and reading.
• Strong organizational skills to manage media requests, inventory, and documentation.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift 20–45 pounds, and perform repetitive movements safely.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in media preparation or plant tissue culture techniques.
• Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments and formal safety protocols.
• Prior experience in production or research laboratory settings.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining consistent media quality.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-throughput lab environment.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with scientists and cross-functional teams.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment focused on plant tissue culture and media preparation. The role follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Work involves extended periods of standing, regular lifting and moving of materials weighing 20–45 pounds, and repetitive hand and arm movements. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to aseptic techniques, chemical handling procedures, and biological hazard safety protocols. You will work with standard lab equipment, chemical inventories, and media preparation systems in a high-throughput setting that requires consistent attention to safety, quality, and ergonomic practices.

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 Johnston,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.