Process Development Scientist Microbiology

Actalent; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Savings Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Rockville, MD is seeking a Process Development Scientist - Microbiology to optimize bioprocesses for biologics, including cell culture, fermentation, purification, and lyophilization. You will work hands-on in a fast-paced, GMP‑regulated biotech manufacturing setting.

The role involves scaling up processes, performing SOP-driven cell culture and fermentation, recording data, and collaborating with QA, QC, and R&D to deliver robust manufacturing advances.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in upstream biomanufacturing, including cell culture and fermentation.
• GMP experience and strong documentation practices.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Operate upstream bioprocess equipment and scale-up fermentation.
• Perform cell culture, media preparation, and fermentation per SOPs.
• Optimize process parameters to maximize yield, productivity, and quality.
• Maintain batch records, process parameters, and deviations with accuracy.
• Ensure GMP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with QA/QC and R&D for integrated manufacturing.
• Present data, update stakeholders, and author internal reports.
• Contribute to process improvements and new technologies.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioreactors

Microbiology

Process control

Problem solving

Documentation

Communication

Lab equipment

Education

PhD or MS in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related

Job description

Job Title: Process Development Scientist - MicrobiologyJob Description

This role involves optimizing bioprocesses for the production of biologics, including cell culture, fermentation, purification, and lyophilization processes. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience in biotech manufacturing, a solid understanding of bioprocess engineering, and a commitment to maintaining high‑quality standards. Experience working under GMP is preferred. Additionally, the candidate will support process development in executing production processes for new synthetic biology‑based cellular medicines, including process scale‑up and in‑process analytical tests.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor upstream bioprocess equipment, independently setting up and executing bioreactors, scale‑up fermentation, concentration, drying, and associated systems.
• Perform cell culture, media preparation, and fermentation processes as per standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Optimize process parameters to maximize yield, productivity, and product quality.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all manufacturing activities, including batch records, process parameters, and deviations.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and R&D, to ensure seamless integration and execution of manufacturing processes.
• Communicate process changes, updates, and issues effectively to stakeholders.
• Present data at internal meetings, collaborate with research groups, and author scientific reports for internal documentation, as required.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of new technologies and methodologies.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements to enhance manufacturing practices.

Essential Skills

• Fermentation, including bacterial and yeast fermentation.
• Experience with bioreactors and process development in both upstream and downstream processes.
• Understanding of microbiology, monoclonal antibody purification testing, and lyophilization.
• Strong understanding of bioprocess principles, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using process control systems and laboratory equipment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in upstream biomanufacturing, including hands‑on experience with cell culture and fermentation processes.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Work Environment

The position is based in a lab environment within a small‑scale manufacturing setting. The team is collaborative, supporting initiatives to develop treatments for immunity and cancer, utilizing new technology for delivering medicine in a more patient‑friendly manner. The company boasts ongoing clinical trials with no drug‑related adverse events, offering a chance to contribute to the development of novel immunotherapies that can transform patient lives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $57.69/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 Rockville,MD.

Application Deadline

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

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Accommodations

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.