Process Development Scientist Microbiology

Actalent; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Health Spending Account

Transportation Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO

Job summary

Actalent in Rockville, MD is seeking a Process Development Scientist - Microbiology to optimize bioprocesses used in biologics, including cell culture, fermentation, purification, and lyophilization, with GMP exposure. The role focuses on scaling processes and ensuring quality while collaborating across QA, QC, and R&D teams.

The successful candidate will operate upstream/downstream equipment, maintain records, and contribute to process improvements in a small-scale manufacturing setting,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor upstream bioprocess equipment, including bioreactors and scale-up fermentation.
• Perform cell culture, media preparation, and fermentation per SOPs.
• Optimize process parameters to maximize yield, productivity and quality.
• Maintain accurate batch records, process parameters, and deviations.
• Ensure GMP compliance and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with QA, QC, and R&D to integrate manufacturing processes.
• Communicate process changes and results to stakeholders.
• Present data at internal meetings and author scientific reports.
• Participate in process improvement and development of new technologies.
• Stay current with industry trends to enhance manufacturing practices.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioreactors

Purification testing

Lyophilization

Bioprocess principles

Equipment operation

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Education

PhD or MS in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Microbiology/Chemical Eng

Job description

Job Title: Process Development Scientist - Microbiology

Job 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 3, 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.