Research Associate

About the Role

This is a 100% Onsite Contract position based out of Everett, WA. The Research Associate supports the execution of regulatory developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART) studies in rats and rabbits. This role involves performing technical procedures on laboratory animals, collecting biological samples and data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, and documenting all study activities. The Research Associate works closely with cross-functional teams within a dynamic vivarium environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the execution of regulatory DART studies in rats and rabbits, including fertility, embryo-fetal development, and pre/postnatal developmental studies.
• Observe animals closely and report changes in health, behavior, appetite, activity, or overall well-being.
• Perform study procedures according to approved protocols, SOPs, and GLP requirements.
• Collect biological samples such as blood and urine from laboratory animals.
• Administer test materials and treatments using appropriate routes and techniques.
• Assist with anesthesia, sedation, catheter placement, and other technical procedures.
• Assist with reproductive and developmental endpoint collection.
• Perform fetal collection and assessment, including tissue and reproductive organ collection and fixation.
• Conduct necropsy activities, including maternal animal necropsy, uterine evaluation, ovarian assessment, visceral examinations, and skeletal evaluations.
• Perform technical procedures on laboratory animals (mice, rats, canines, non-human primates), including restraint, injections, blood draws, urine collection, catheterization, and anesthesia.
• Operate laboratory equipment and collect specimens and data on laboratory animals.
• Train staff on technical procedures involving animals.
• Monitor the progress of studies to verify adherence to study guidelines, timelines, and quality standards.
• Create, review, and revise SOPs relating to animals, technical procedures, and facility operations.
• Document study procedures and results in study notebooks in accordance with GLP regulations.
• Support study supervisors and study directors by performing and assisting with sample and data collection.
• Participate in cross-training and ongoing skill development across animal research functions.
• Work closely with Study Directors, Veterinary Services, and Operations teams to coordinate study activities and resolve issues.
• Work cross-functionally on process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Identify and resolve problems as they are encountered.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form to carry out study activities accurately.
• Maintain organization and effectiveness in a fast-paced, changing environment while managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience working with animals in research or a regulated environment is preferred.
• Ability to perform technical procedures on laboratory animals (restraint, injections, blood draws, urine collection, catheterization, anesthesia, tissue collection, fetal collection and assessment).
• Working knowledge of GLP standards and the ability to perform procedures in compliance with GLP requirements.
• Intermediate computer skills, including experience with the Microsoft Office suite, Project, InfoPath, and Access.
• Ability to readily adapt to new software and digital tools.
• English proficiency sufficient to read and interpret industry-specific documents, SOPs, and study protocols, and to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong attention to detail while effectively multi-tasking.
• Ability to maintain organization in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Comfort communicating with all levels of employees and leadership.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems using practical reasoning skills.
• Capability to interpret a variety of instructions provided in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
• Positive attitude toward work and co-workers, supporting a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to manage change and adapt to new projects and evolving study requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a scientific discipline is preferred.
• ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician) certification is preferred.
• Experience as a GLP auditor or familiarity with GLP auditing practices is beneficial.
• Experience or coursework in biology or related scientific fields is advantageous.
• Experience working in a vivarium or animal facility environment is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally on process improvements.
• Readiness to participate in cross-training and ongoing skill development.

Work Environment

• Primarily based in a vivarium setting.
• Approximately 90% of work involving direct interaction with laboratory animals and animal samples.
• Working with multiple species (mice, rats, canines, non-human primates).
• Frequent use of laboratory equipment.
• Adherence to GLP standards.
• Performance of technical procedures in a controlled, regulated research facility.
• Fast-paced and dynamic setting, requiring flexibility, organization, and comfort with changing study demands and cross-functional collaboration.
• Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay range: $28.00 - $36.00/hr.
• Benefits may include: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).
• Eligibility requirements apply.

Application Deadline

• Anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.