Process Development Scientist I *30-33/HR

Actalent; Missouri; On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Process Development Scientist I (Downstream) in Saint Louis, MO to contribute to downstream purification development, validation, and transfer for biopharma manufacturing. You will work hands-on with chromatography, filtration, and UF/DF systems and collaborate across cross-functional teams to enable successful process transfers.

The role requires a BS or MS in a life science and 1–2 years of lab experience in protein purification or bioprocessing, plus strong data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a life science discipline (Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering)
• 1–2 years of lab experience in protein purification or related bioprocessing
• Hands-on chromatography experience and familiarity with downstream concepts
• Strong documentation and adherence to standard procedures

Responsibilities

• Develop and transfer downstream purification processes for manufacturing.
• Operate chromatography, filtration, and UF/DF technologies.
• Interpret client documents and literature to design development strategies.
• Generate, analyze, and document experimental data with precision.
• Communicate findings to cross-functional teams including QA and Eng.
• Collaborate with upstream/analytical teams to enable smooth transfer.
• Prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment and maintain safety practices.
• Expand skills to support evolving project needs

Skills

Protein purification

Chromatography

Bioprocessing

Downstream processing

Experimental design

Data analysis

Documentation

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biology/ Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

Chromatography equipment

Filtration systems

UF/DF setups

Job description

Job Description

Process Development Scientist I (Downstream)

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to join a dedicated team of Process Development Scientists focused on downstream protein purification. You will contribute to the development, confirmation, and transfer of downstream purification processes that support biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Working closely with customers, scientists, and cross-functional departments, you will help implement advanced solutions in high-quality biopharmaceutical facilities and play a key role in global operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments to develop, assess, and transfer downstream protein purification processes for use in manufacturing.
• Operate and optimize industry-standard technologies such as chromatography, filtration, and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) in support of process development.
• Learn to interpret client documents, process descriptions, and scientific literature to design effective strategies for process development and transfer activities.
• Generate, analyze, and document experimental data with high attention to detail and adherence to standard procedures.
• Communicate experimental findings, data interpretations, and process recommendations to a multidisciplinary team including upstream, downstream, and analytical scientists, quality assurance, process engineers, and customers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure smooth transfer of developed processes into manufacturing environments.
• Prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic setting while maintaining compliance with established laboratory practices and safety guidelines.
• Continuously expand technical knowledge and laboratory skills to support evolving project and organizational needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• 1–2 years of relevant laboratory experience, preferably in protein purification or related bioprocessing.
• Hands‑on experience with protein purification techniques, including chromatography.
• Fundamental understanding of biochemistry and its application to downstream process development.
• Ability to function effectively in a constantly evolving environment and adapt to changing project needs.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to following standard procedures and documentation practices.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present data and conclusions to technical and cross‑functional audiences.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift materials as required for laboratory work, and perform repetitive hand motions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong desire and demonstrated willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and technologies.
• Interest in working with industry‑standard downstream technologies such as chromatography, filtration, and UF/DF.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with upstream, downstream, analytical, quality, and engineering teams.
• Solid organizational and time‑management skills to support multiple ongoing experiments and projects.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment supporting biopharmaceutical process development. You will work hands‑on with downstream processing equipment such as chromatography systems, filtration units, and UF/DF setups. The role requires standing for extended periods, performing repetitive hand motions, and occasionally lifting laboratory materials or equipment. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with expectations to follow established safety procedures and laboratory best practices in a collaborative, fast‑evolving setting

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/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)