Biochemistry Research Assistant

Job Title: Biochemistry Research Assistant / Formulation Specialist

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting a high-priority enzyme stabilization and product development project as a hands-on biochemistry research assistant and formulation specialist. You will serve as the primary owner of enzyme assay analysis for prototype formulations, collaborating closely with internal teams and external contract research organizations. The position offers strong exposure to product development, formulation, and pilot-scale operations, making it ideal for an early-career scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, technical environment and is eager to take ownership of critical analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Execute time-sensitive, multi-step enzyme assays with high precision, consistency, and adherence to established protocols.
• Run and support Design of Experiments (DOE) to advance formulation and product development initiatives.
• Support enzyme formulation development and optimization by testing and evaluating prototype formulations.
• Analyze samples from pelleting trials and external prototype workstreams conducted by contract research organizations.
• Maintain ownership of assay throughput and data quality across multiple concurrent samples and workflows.
• Assist with physical property testing and experimental modeling to support product performance evaluations.
• Generate clear technical reports, data summaries, and presentations to communicate findings to project stakeholders.
• Maintain strict adherence to standard operating procedures, documentation practices, and lab cleanliness standards.
• Learn and apply new analytical techniques and technologies quickly to support evolving project needs.
• Work independently in the laboratory while maintaining accuracy during repetitive, detail-driven analytical tasks.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, pilot plant personnel, and external partners to ensure alignment on project goals.
• Manage multiple samples, tasks, and workflows simultaneously while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for assay performance, data integrity, and overall experimental outcomes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 6+ months to 2 years of prior industry experience in a laboratory or related scientific environment.
• Practical laboratory experience with wet chemistry and analytical testing.
• Experience performing enzyme assays or other bioassays, or a strong aptitude to learn these techniques quickly.
• Ability to execute multi-step, time-sensitive assays with high precision and consistency.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex, multi-step procedures accurately.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple concurrent samples and workflows.
• Comfort working in hands-on lab and pilot plant environments, including around equipment and mechanical systems.
• High level of ownership, accountability, and commitment to data integrity and documentation quality.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to document methods, summarize results, and present findings.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy in repetitive, detail-oriented analytical work.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions as required in lab and pilot environments.
• Ability to work safely with laboratory chemicals while using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with analytical lab work, bioassays, or enzyme-related work (preferred but not required).
• Experience or interest in formulation or product development (preferred).
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) for formulation or process optimization.
• Mechanical aptitude or comfort working with equipment, pilot systems, and manufacturing environments.
• Interest in applied science and product development, particularly in enzyme analytics and stabilization.
• Strong documentation mindset with a focus on data integrity and traceability.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes, methods, and technologies.
• Comfort working around biological materials commonly used in animal nutrition.
• Motivation to grow in an R&D and development-focused environment with structured training and mentorship.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with slight variations possible once fully trained. The position offers a one-year guaranteed contract with the possibility of extension depending on project success and advancement, along with paid holidays and paid time off. You will receive hands-on training over approximately 2-3 weeks to qualify on the assay, working directly with a trainer, shadowing procedures, performing assays under supervision, and demonstrating the ability to replicate results independently. The day-to-day work consists of a mix of lab bench activities focused on analytical testing and exposure to pilot and manufacturing environments. You will regularly execute assays that can run four or more hours and involve managing multiple concurrent samples. The role includes work in feed and pelleting environments that may involve dust, noise, temperature variations, and interaction with equipment, machinery, and physical product materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required and provided. You should be comfortable working around machinery, mechanical systems, and biological materials commonly used in animal nutrition. The environment may include exposure to dust from feed materials such as corn and soy, noise and vibrations, and warm or cold conditions in pilot areas. The culture emphasizes strong training and development, high visibility project work, collaboration with internal teams and external research partners, and opportunities to gain significant experience in product development, formulation, and enzyme analytics.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chesterfield, MO.

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chesterfield,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.

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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.

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