Demo

Scientist

Actalent
Ames, IA Contractor
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/9/2026

Job Title: Scientist

Job Description

As a Scientist, you will play a critical role in preparing buffers, troubleshooting protocols, and maintaining meticulous documentation for R&D or production teams. You will ensure products meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards through chemical, physical, or microbiological testing of raw materials and finished goods, while adhering to GLP/GMP guidelines. Your responsibilities will include following SOPs, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting findings to ensure compliance with regulations like cGMP.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze protein purity and yield using SDS-PAGE, LAL, and BCA assays.
  • Conduct routine and non-routine tests (e.g., pH, viscosity, R.I.D) on samples to ensure quality standards.
  • Prepare, filter, and sterilize buffers and reagents according to SOPs.
  • Maintain detailed lab notebooks and write reports (SOPs, batch records).
  • Operate, clean, and troubleshoot lab equipment.

Essential Skills

  • Proficiency in quality control procedures.
  • Experience with GMP and laboratory practices.
  • Knowledge of microbiology.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related science field.
  • 2–3 years of experience in a GMP QC lab or R&D setting.

Work Environment

This position is part of a start-up/small business located in the research park in Ames. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 1st shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/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 Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $25 - $29

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Scientist?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Scientist career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$125,958 - $157,570
Income Estimation: 
$120,989 - $162,093
Income Estimation: 
$74,806 - $91,633
Income Estimation: 
$71,928 - $87,026
Income Estimation: 
$145,337 - $174,569
Income Estimation: 
$73,226 - $98,223
Income Estimation: 
$94,832 - $129,336
Income Estimation: 
$102,421 - $136,423
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Actalent

  • Actalent Providence, RI
  • Job Title: Construction Inspector Job Description The Construction Inspector performs daily field inspections on utility and pipeline replacement projects ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Actalent Providence, RI
  • Job Title: Quality Engineer Job Description As a Quality Engineer, you will lead and manage Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to resolve quality iss... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Actalent Middletown, RI
  • Job Title: Test Engineer (Software) Job Description This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with Naval hardware and Automated Test Equipment (ATE... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Actalent Boise, ID
  • Job Title: Project Manager / Project Manager – Electrical Construction (Semiconductor & Data Center) Job Description This role leads complex electrical con... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Scientist jobs in the Ames, IA area that may be a better fit.

  • Corteva Agriscience Des Moines, IA
  • At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – lea... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Boehringer Ingelheim Ames, IA
  • Remote - No Full time or part time – Full time Shift - Days M-F 8AM-5PM Hours – 40hrs/week Duties Research-focused position requiring familiarity with mamm... more
  • 23 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!