Associate Scientist

Actalent; Boston (MA); Presencial; USD 59.000 - 66.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Actalent is hiring an Associate Scientist Downstream Process Development in Boston, MA. The role focuses on hands-on chromatography and TFF/UFDF operations to support gene therapy programs.

You will design, execute purification experiments, generate data, and translate findings into reports for the Technical Operations team. This on-site contract-to-hire position offers collaboration in a small team and opportunities to contribute to process scale-up and tech transfer.

Formación

• 13 years of experience in downstream process development.
• Proficiency in ÄKTA (UNICORN) method writing.
• Hands-on chromatography operations including FPLC and column packing.
• Buffer design and preparation for chromatography and filtration.
• Filtration experience in downstream purification.

Responsabilidades

• Design, set up, and execute chromatography runs (column packing, buffer prep, method programming).
• Design, set up, and execute TFF/UFDF runs and operate skids.
• Automate purification methods using TECAN or similar platforms.
• Handle sample submission logistics and ensure accurate labeling and timely delivery.
• Perform downstream lab tasks: buffer prep, column packing, filtration and consumables tracking.
• Support development and troubleshooting of downstream processes including scale-up/down studies.
• Apply sterile and aseptic techniques including low-endotoxin prep.
• Contribute to tech transfer by drafting and reviewing batch records and docs.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing experiments and next steps.
• Collaborate with a small downstream team across multiple projects.
• Occasionally work extended hours to complete runs.

Conocimientos

ÄKTA UNICORN

Chromatography

TFF/UFDF

Sterile technique

Low-endotoxin prep

Tech transfer docs

Robocolumns

High-throughput

Herramientas

ÄKTA FPLC

TECAN

epMotion

TFF skids

Ultracentrifugation

UNICORN

Robocolumns

Descripción del empleo

Job Title: Associate Scientist Downstream Process DevelopmentJob Description

The Associate Scientist will play a key role in downstream process development for gene therapy programs, with a strong focus on hands‑on chromatography and TFF/UFDF operations. You will design, set up, and execute purification experiments, generate high-quality data, and translate findings into technical reports and presentations for the broader Technical Operations team. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of experiments, contribute ideas to process development strategies, and directly influence the development and optimization of gene therapy manufacturing processes within a small, highly collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, and execute chromatography runs, including column packing, buffer preparation, method programming, and operation of chromatography skids and FPLC systems such as ÄKTA.

• Design, set up, and execute TFF/UFDF runs, including tubing and filter assembly and operation of TFF skids for downstream purification.

• Execute automated purification methods using TECAN or similar liquid handling platforms and robocolumn formats to support high‑throughput process development.

• Handle sample submission logistics for internal and external testing, ensuring accurate labeling, documentation, and timely delivery of samples.

• Perform general downstream laboratory tasks to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations, including buffer preparation, column packing, filtration, and tracking of downstream‑specific consumables.

• Support development, optimization, and troubleshooting of downstream processes for gene therapy products, including scale‑up and scale‑down studies across various unit operations.

• Apply sterile and aseptic techniques, including low‑endotoxin preparation, to maintain high‑quality standards in downstream operations.

• Contribute to technology transfer activities by drafting and reviewing batch records and other process documentation to enable smooth transfer to manufacturing or external partners.

• Prepare clear technical reports and presentations that summarize experimental design, data, conclusions, and recommended next steps for the larger Technical Operations team.

• Collaborate closely with a small downstream team to prioritize work across multiple concurrent projects and ensure timely completion of experimental plans.

• Participate in occasional extended‑hour experimental runs as needed and coordinate schedules to maintain appropriate work‑life balance when late experiments are required.

Essential Skills

• 13 years of experience in downstream process development, ideally in a biopharmaceutical or gene therapy environment.

• Proficiency in ÄKTA (UNICORN) method writing, including method setup, execution, and basic troubleshooting.

• Hands‑on experience with chromatography operations, including FPLC, column packing, and operation of chromatography skids.

• Experience in buffer design and preparation, including preparation of buffers for chromatography and filtration steps.

• Practical experience with filtration operations as part of downstream purification processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with TFF skid operation and execution of TFF/UFDF unit operations.

• Experience using liquid handlers such as TECAN or similar platforms (e.g., epMotion) for purification or sample preparation workflows.

• Experience with scale‑up and scale‑down models across various downstream unit operations, including chromatography and filtration.

• Proficiency in sterile and aseptic techniques, including experience with low‑endotoxin preparation.

• Experience with tech transfer activities, including writing and reviewing batch records and other process‑related documentation.

• Familiarity with downstream process development for modalities such as AAV or monoclonal antibodies, including ultracentrifugation, chromatography, and buffer preparation.

• Experience using robocolumns and automated purification methods to support high‑throughput process development.

• Ability to troubleshoot experimental issues, interpret data critically, and propose next steps for process optimization.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports and present findings to cross‑functional teams.

• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies while working in a fast‑paced, growing team environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment with a focus on hands‑on downstream process development activities. The role is 100% on‑site, Monday through Friday, with a standard daytime schedule (for example, around 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Due to the nature of certain downstream experiments, there may be occasions when you stay later to complete runs; in those cases, start times can be adjusted to help balance hours. You will work closely with a small, tight‑knit downstream team currently consisting of two members and supporting a portfolio of approximately five active projects, so your contributions will have a visible impact. The lab uses chromatography systems such as ÄKTA/FPLC, TFF skids, liquid handlers such as TECAN or similar platforms, and equipment for ultracentrifugation and other downstream unit operations. The culture emphasizes being hands‑on at the bench, taking ownership of experiments, and actively contributing ideas, while also providing support, mentorship, and opportunities to build new technical capabilities. Appropriate laboratory attire and adherence to standard lab safety practices are required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Boston, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $48.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Boston, MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Boston,MA.

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 [e-mail] 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.