Research Associate

Job Title: Research Associate - Spatial Genomics ManufacturingJob Description

This Research Associate - Spatial Genomics Manufacturing role offers the opportunity to join a rapidly growing biotech innovator at the forefront of spatial genomics. You will play a key role in producing next‑generation microfluidic chips that power high‑resolution spatial biology and multi‑omics discovery. In this position, you will directly support manufacturing for the DBiT‑seq (Deterministic Barcoding in Tissue for spatial‑omics sequencing) platform, a breakthrough technology that integrates microfluidics, PCR/qPCR, and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) to map tissue architecture with single‑cell precision. Your work will enable researchers and clinicians to uncover new insights into gene expression, disease mechanisms, and tissue biology, while you grow your skills in a fast‑paced startup environment. This role is open to new graduates and early‑career professionals with relevant academic, internship, or industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision pipetting, PCR/qPCR setup, and reagent handling to support microfluidic chip production for spatial‑omics workflows.
• Prepare, mix, and quality‑control reagent formulations used in spatial genomics and multi‑omics assays.
• Operate and maintain specialized laboratory and manufacturing equipment in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to quality assurance activities, including qPCR‑based performance checks, imaging assessments, and sequencing validation steps for manufactured consumables and assays.
• Maintain detailed documentation of batch records, reagent formulations, process parameters, and experimental data to ensure traceability and reproducibility.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and technical issues, collaborating closely with Engineering and R&D teams to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
• Support scale‑up efforts as manufacturing capacity expands, helping to optimize workflows and increase throughput.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, reagents, and consumables, ensuring consistent availability for production and experiments.
• Perform tissue processing and histological slide preparation for mammalian tissues as part of spatial biology workflows.
• Conduct immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescent staining on tissue samples to enable high‑content imaging and spatial analysis.
• Apply knowledge of cellular, functional, IHC, pathology applications, and imaging instrumentation to support assay development and data generation.
• Execute molecular biology and microscopy techniques, including qPCR and NGS library preparation, to generate high‑quality spatial‑omics data.
• Follow study and experimental designs, implement QC procedures, and accurately document results in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists, computer scientists, and engineers to develop and refine the spatial discovery platform.
• Adhere to laboratory safety practices and guidelines while working in a regulated or quality‑controlled environment, such as GMP or ISO settings.
• Contribute to the development and commercialization of a novel spatial biology platform that combines NGS and microfluidics to create unbiased multi‑omics maps of tissue architecture.

Essential Skills

• Strong foundation in molecular biology and cell biology, including hands‑on experience with PCR, qPCR, and gene sequencing workflows.
• Practical experience with standard laboratory techniques such as precision pipetting, reagent preparation, sterile technique, and tissue culture.
• Understanding of next‑generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics, microfluidics, and assay development in a research or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with experimental design, quality control procedures, and rigorous data documentation practices.
• Deep experience with molecular biology and microscopy techniques, including qPCR and NGS library preparation.
• Experience in tissue processing, histological slide preparation, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining in mammalian tissues.
• Knowledge of a broad range of cellular and functional assays, IHC and pathology applications, and imaging instrumentation.
• Ability to work full‑time, on‑site in a laboratory environment in New Haven, CT.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interface and collaborate effectively across disciplines such as biology, engineering, chemistry, physics, and computational sciences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field.
• B.S. or M.S. in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related field with 1-3 years of industry experience.
• 1-2 years of laboratory or biomanufacturing experience; recent graduates with relevant academic or internship experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience working in regulated or quality‑controlled environments such as GMP or ISO laboratories.
• Experience in microfluidics device handling or consumable manufacturing is a plus.
• Familiarity with study design, QC workflows, and SOP‑driven operations in a lab or manufacturing setting.
• Strong organization, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, with an adaptive approach to working across scientific and engineering disciplines.

Work Environment

This is a permanent, full‑time, on‑site laboratory position based in New Haven, CT, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary startup environment alongside biologists, chemists, physicists, computer scientists, and engineers who are collectively advancing a novel spatial biology platform. The lab is equipped with specialized manufacturing and analytical instruments supporting microfluidics, PCR/qPCR, NGS library preparation, imaging, and spatial‑omics workflows. The culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, offering the opportunity to contribute as one of the early team members to a transformative spatial discovery platform recognized in leading scientific publications. Work is conducted in a controlled laboratory setting that follows SOPs and quality standards, with appropriate laboratory attire and safety practices required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of New Haven, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $60000.00/yr.

PTO, Holidays, Health and Medical

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New Haven,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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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