Job Title: (Clinical) Research Technician
Position located in RTP, Durham, NC
Job Description
This Research Technician role supports a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility that provides centralized expertise and infrastructure for the acquisition, processing, storage, and distribution of high-quality biospecimens for basic, translational, and clinical research. The position plays a key role in supporting investigator-driven research projects and clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, dermatology, orthopedics, trauma, pediatrics, and infectious diseases such as HIV and COVID-19. This is a 6-month contract role with the opportunity to apply and interview for a permanent vacancy, and it offers broad exposure to biobanking, molecular biology, histology, and translational research while contributing to discoveries that improve patient care.
Responsibilities
Perform a variety of routine and complex technical duties involved in standardized biospecimen processing and biobanking in support of investigator-driven research projects and clinical trials.
Follow written procedures, study protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with strict adherence to quality control and quality assurance practices.
Receive human samples, including blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, hair, and other bodily fluids, arriving via mail, courier, or direct collection, and verify documentation and labeling.
Collect biospecimens when required, ensuring proper handling, chain of custody, and adherence to sterile technique.
Process biospecimens according to study-specific requirements, including aliquoting, separating serum, and preparing samples for storage or shipment.
Operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and liquid nitrogen freezers to process and preserve samples safely and accurately.
Perform processing of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), including separation from whole blood, cryopreservation, and thawing to confirm viability for future use in immune system studies.
Practice sterile technique consistently, including appropriate gowning, double-gloving, and use of face shields, to maintain biosafety and sample integrity.
Store biospecimens in appropriate conditions, including liquid nitrogen freezers and other controlled environments, and maintain accurate inventory records.
Prepare and ship biospecimens to external sites or collaborators in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and temperature control guidelines.
Use REDCap and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software to enter, track, and manage sample data and electronic processing forms with a high degree of accuracy.
Ensure data entry accuracy for all electronic processing forms and resolve discrepancies promptly to maintain data integrity.
Understand and interpret study IRB documents and SOPs to execute protocol-specific processing requirements correctly.
Monitor freezers and other critical equipment, responding promptly to alerts or issues to protect sample quality and safety.
Participate in on-call responsibilities, including answering pager alerts, going onsite when needed, collecting urgent samples, and addressing freezer or equipment issues outside normal business hours.
Collaborate with other laboratory staff, processors, histology technicians, and molecular technicians to support ongoing research studies and operational needs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment, following biosafety and BSL2+ guidelines at all times.
Demonstrate strong attention to detail, reliability, and adherence to timelines to support more than 150 active research studies.
Continuously learn and adapt to new protocols, technologies, and research requirements, contributing to process improvements and operational excellence.
Essential Skills
At least 2 years of experience working in a clinical laboratory environment.
Strong understanding of sterility and sterile technique in handling and processing human biospecimens.
Proficiency in pipetting and routine laboratory techniques.
Experience operating centrifuges for processing blood and other biospecimens.
Ability to process blood samples, including separation and cryopreservation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs).
Demonstrated accuracy in data entry and electronic documentation using laboratory systems.
Ability to follow detailed written protocols, IRB documents, and SOPs with minimal errors.
Commitment to work ethic, reliability, and consistent attendance.
Willingness to listen, learn, and follow guidance from established procedures and senior staff.
Strong attention to detail in both laboratory work and documentation.
Eagerness to learn and grow within a complex research and biobanking environment.
Ability to participate in on-call rotations, including responding to pager alerts and going onsite outside normal business hours.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using REDCap for research data capture is highly preferred.
Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is highly preferred.
Familiarity with biobanking workflows, including sample receipt, processing, storage, and distribution.
Exposure to research in oncology, dermatology, orthopedics, trauma, pediatrics, or infectious diseases (HIV/COVID-19) is beneficial.
Comfort working in a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ laboratory setting.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team.
Strong communication skills to document work clearly and coordinate with investigators and colleagues.
Work Environment
This role is 100% onsite in a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility that supports more than 150 active research studies. The work environment involves handling human biospecimens such as blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, hair, and other bodily fluids, with strict adherence to biosafety and sterile technique. Research technicians work primarily with centrifuges, liquid nitrogen freezers, and other standard laboratory equipment, and they use REDCap and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software for data entry and sample tracking. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and employees participate in an on-call rotation once per month. On-call periods run from Wednesday through the following Tuesday and include late nights, early mornings, weekends, and most holidays; technicians must answer a pager and go onsite when needed to collect samples or address freezer and equipment issues. The department remains open on most holidays, closing only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Staff work in full laboratory attire, including gowns, face shields, and double gloves, to maintain safety and sample integrity, and they collaborate within a team that includes processors, histology technicians, and molecular technicians in a highly regulated, quality-focused research setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chapel Hill, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.75 - $20.75/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 Chapel Hill,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.
