Process Development Chemist

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Process Development Chemist for an onsite contract role in San Diego, CA. The position focuses on DNA chemistry, oligonucleotide manufacturing, and process development in a fast‑paced lab.

You will gain hands‑on experience with oligonucleotide synthesis, organic chemistry, HPLC, and automated liquid handling while supporting GMP/GDP‑regulated activities and collaboration with engineers and scientists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field; 0–2 years lab/process development experience preferred.
• Experience following SOPs and GDP/documentation practices.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity, with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support lab-based process development and manufacturing activities for DNA chemistry and oligonucleotide production.
• Execute experiments following established protocols and safety guidelines.
• Document procedures, observations, and results in GDP-compliant records.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation used in process development.
• Analyze data to support scientific and manufacturing objectives.
• Communicate findings to cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects.

Skills

DNA chemistry

Oligonucleotide manufacturing

GDP documentation

HPLC

Automation liquid handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Engineering

0-2 years lab experience

Tools

HPLC

Automated liquid handling systems

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated Process Development Chemist to join our growing biotechnology team in a hands‑on, laboratory‑based role focused on DNA chemistry, process development, and oligonucleotide manufacturing. This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates and early‑career scientists looking to gain experience in a dynamic environment where chemistry and biotechnology intersect. As a Process Development Chemist, you will support laboratory process development activities, execute experiments, document findings in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and collaborate with scientists and engineers to improve manufacturing and development processes. You will gain exposure to advanced laboratory techniques including oligonucleotide synthesis, organic chemistry, HPLC, chromatography, and automated liquid handling systems. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and process development while working alongside experienced scientists in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support laboratory‑based process development and manufacturing activities involving DNA chemistry and oligonucleotide production.
• Execute experiments and technical procedures following established protocols, laboratory practices, and safety guidelines.
• Perform laboratory techniques related to chemistry and molecular biology applications.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results following Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment used in process development activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support scientific and manufacturing objectives.
• Communicate experimental results, observations, and technical findings to cross‑functional team members.
• Manage multiple projects and assignments while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, workflows, and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0-2 years of laboratory, manufacturing, research, or process development experience.
• Recent graduates with strong academic laboratory experience are encouraged to apply.
• Working knowledge of chemistry, molecular biology, DNA‑related processes, and basic scientific calculations.
• Experience following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory protocols.
• Strong documentation skills, including laboratory notebooks, batch records, or controlled documentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to oligonucleotide synthesis or oligonucleotide manufacturing.
• Experience with organic synthesis and chemical process development.
• Familiarity with HPLC, chromatography, and analytical characterization techniques.
• Experience operating or working with automated liquid handling systems.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) within regulated laboratory or manufacturing environments.
• Experience performing basic data analysis and interpreting experimental results.
• Demonstrated interest in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, or advanced manufacturing.
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong problem‑solving skills.

What You'll Gain

• Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge DNA and chemistry‑based technologies.
• Exposure to biotechnology manufacturing and process development environments.
• Training on advanced laboratory instrumentation including HPLC, chromatography systems, and automated liquid handlers.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists and industry professionals.
• Valuable experience in GMP/GDP‑regulated environments that can support long‑term career growth in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences.

Work Environment

• Location: Onsite laboratory environment
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Contract Duration: October 2026 through July 2027
• Potential for extension and longer‑term opportunities based on business needs and performance.
• Collaborative, safety‑focused environment dedicated to scientific innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $41.25/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)
• Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA. Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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 [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.