Job Title: Associate Scientist - Embryology (Contract)
Job Description
This temporary Associate Scientist, Embryology role focuses on developing and applying innovative assisted reproductive and genetic engineering technologies to generate genetically engineered animal models that support drug discovery. The position prepares and manipulates embryos and gametes, introduces genetic modifications using appropriate methods, and supports cohort generation through advanced assisted reproductive technologies. The Associate Scientist works closely with a multidisciplinary project team, independently executes complex experimental procedures, and contributes to the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of experiments while staying current with advances in embryology, reproductive biology, and transgenic technologies.
Responsibilities
- Prepare staged embryos or gametes for manipulation using established and emerging laboratory techniques.
- Introduce genetic modifications into embryos or gametes using appropriate gene editing and related methods.
- Transfer manipulated or in vitro fertilization (IVF)-derived embryos into recipient females to generate experimental cohorts.
- Support cohort generation and preservation by applying assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and related procedures.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advances in transgenic and assisted reproductive technologies and relevant scientific literature, and apply this knowledge to develop or improve technologies and workflows.
- Independently execute complex experimental designs and processes, ensuring high-quality, reproducible results.
- Begin to design routine experiments and processes under general guidance, incorporating best practices and scientific rigor.
- Consistently follow, critically evaluate, and refine appropriate methods, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
- Apply independent judgment, with input from colleagues, to make sound scientific and operational decisions of limited to moderate complexity.
- Engage in active questioning and discussion to fully understand the context, objectives, and interpretation of assigned work.
- Make detailed observations during experiments, record data accurately, analyze results quantitatively and qualitatively, and interpret findings in a scientifically sound manner.
- Prepare clear and comprehensive technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses as required by projects and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with project teams on the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments and projects related to genetically engineered animal models and assisted reproductive technologies.
- Attend internal meetings to represent the embryology group, present data updates, and contribute scientific insights when needed.
- Work closely with colleagues in the technology center to drive innovative genetic engineering approaches for generating genetically engineered animal models.
- Advance assisted reproductive technologies to facilitate efficient study cohort generation and support ongoing research programs.
- Contribute to a collaborative, problem-solving culture by interacting effectively with team members and demonstrating enthusiasm for tackling challenging scientific problems.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree (0-3+ years of experience) in biology, embryology, or a related field with proven laboratory experience.
- Strong background in the practical aspects of embryology, including handling and preparation of embryos and gametes.
- Strong conceptual understanding of embryology, reproductive biology, and transgenic biology.
- Experience working in a laboratory environment, including adherence to protocols, documentation, and safe laboratory practices.
- Ability to independently execute complex experimental procedures and processes with high attention to detail.
- Ability to follow and critically evaluate methods and protocols, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Demonstrated skill in data collection, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
- Effective collaboration skills, with the ability to interact productively with team members and project stakeholders.
- Enthusiasm for tackling difficult scientific problems and contributing to innovative solutions.
- Strong communication skills for preparing technical reports, summaries, and protocols, and for presenting data in internal meetings.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- background in assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF and related reproductive procedures, is highly desirable.
- Experience with gene editing technologies and their application to embryos or gametes is highly desirable.
- Experience generating various genetically modified animal models is preferred.
- Familiarity with transgenic biology techniques and technologies used to create genetically engineered models.
- Ability to stay current with scientific literature in embryology, reproductive biology, transgenic biology, and gene editing.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary research teams in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting is beneficial.
- Strong motivation to contribute to drug discovery efforts through the development of innovative genetically engineered models.
- Ability to represent a functional group in internal meetings and provide clear, concise data updates.
Work Environment
This is a three-month, Monday-Friday onsite position based in a laboratory environment within a technology center focused on genetically engineered models and assisted reproductive technologies. The role involves hands-on work with embryos, gametes, and genetically modified animal models, using laboratory equipment and gene editing tools in a controlled research setting. The broader organization offers an excellent company culture and is recognized as a top employer, with a strong track record of in-house invention and development of approved medicines and a growing global workforce. Onsite amenities may include a gym, cafeteria, and fully staffed daycare for eligible full-time employees. Full-time employee offerings can include stock options or equity, bonuses, restricted stock units, and 401(k) matching, while contract employees may receive accrued vacation and sick time, along with paid company-observed holidays. The environment emphasizes collaboration, scientific innovation, and support for professional growth within an expanding organization.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Tarrytown, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tarrytown,NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 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.
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.