Data Scientist

Job Title: Data Scientist – Life Sciences Laboratory

Job Description

This role combines hands-on laboratory science with advanced data science to support cutting-edge research in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. The Data Scientist – Life Sciences Laboratory executes end-to-end laboratory workflows, from experimental planning through data analysis, while maintaining high standards of data quality, safety, and operational excellence. The position works closely with multidisciplinary teams at the interface of life science and computer science to extend, interpret, and optimize advanced analytical methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Execute existing laboratory workflows from experimental planning through data analysis, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and timely completion of work.
• Recognize, document, and escalate protocol deviations to relevant stakeholders, and contribute to corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and instruments remain in good operating condition, identify malfunctions, and perform or coordinate troubleshooting as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of laboratory methods, protocols, and analytical techniques used in the lab.
• Provide structured feedback on laboratory workflows and participate in developing solutions to process bottlenecks, throughput limitations, and data quality issues.
• Work with a team of researchers to extend, refine, and interpret advanced analytical methodologies in the life sciences.
• Facilitate effective interactions with internal and external collaborators to improve efficiency and implementation of cutting-edge analytical methods.
• Adapt to unexpected schedule changes and respond to urgent or emergency situations in the laboratory environment as needed.
• Extract, clean, and analyze complex datasets using data querying and scripting languages, and build statistical models to support scientific and business decisions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust data pipelines that support laboratory workflows and analytical processes.
• Apply statistical and machine learning models, such as multinomial logistic regression, to derive insights from experimental and operational data.
• Create clear, insightful visualizations and reports using data visualization tools to communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Communicate results, methods, and recommendations clearly in both written and verbal form, tailoring the level of detail to the audience.
• Act as a leader and mentor within the data science function, guiding colleagues on best practices in data extraction, analysis, modeling, and communication.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures, including proper operation of laboratory equipment and safe handling of chemical and biological hazards.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on expertise with cutting-edge molecular biology, microbiology, and/or biochemistry methods and concepts.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and methodologies commonly used in modern laboratory data analysis.
• 5+ years of experience as a data scientist or in a similar role involving data extraction, analysis, statistical modeling, and communication.
• 5+ years of experience with data querying languages such as SQL.
• 5+ years of experience with scripting languages such as Python.
• 5+ years of experience with statistical or mathematical software such as R, SAS, or MATLAB.
• Experience with statistical models, including multinomial logistic regression.
• Experience building and working with data pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully within an entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and meticulous record keeping.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of safety procedures related to operation of laboratory equipment and handling of chemical and biological hazards.
• Master's degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, data science, business analytics, economics, finance, engineering, or computer science, or a Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of professional or military experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD degree in a life science discipline such as Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Microbiology, with 8–10 years of directly related commercial experience.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams at the interface of life science and computer science.
• Broad familiarity with different areas of the life sciences and their experimental approaches.
• Hands-on experience in high-throughput research, including operation of liquid handling systems.
• 2+ years of experience with data visualization tools such as AWS QuickSight, Tableau, or R Shiny.
• Experience using AWS and related cloud-based tools in support of data pipelines and analytics.
• Experience serving as a leader and mentor on a data science team, supporting the development of colleagues’ technical and analytical skills.

Work Environment

The role operates in a modern laboratory setting that integrates experimental life sciences with advanced data science and computational tools. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, data scientists, and collaborators, both internal and external, in a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. The position involves regular use of laboratory equipment and instruments, including high-throughput systems such as liquid handlers, alongside extensive work with data analysis platforms, statistical software, and programming environments (e.g., SQL, Python, R, SAS, MATLAB, and AWS-based tools). The work schedule may occasionally require flexibility to accommodate experimental timelines, unexpected schedule changes, or urgent laboratory needs. Safety is a core priority, with established procedures for handling chemical and biological materials and operating laboratory equipment. The environment encourages continuous learning, innovation, and process improvement, with opportunities to influence both scientific workflows and data-driven decision-making.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62.00 - $62.00/hr.

Requirements

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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.