Quality Scientist I

Actalent; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a QC Scientist I to perform hands-on bench testing and support the development and release of multisource pharmaceutical products in Columbus, OH. The role emphasizes chemical and physical analyses, sample preparation, standard weighing, and dilutions with progressive training on HPLC and GC techniques.

You will contribute to regulatory submissions, method validation and transfer activities, while maintaining data integrity and complying with cGXP standards in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science required or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Chemistry or Biochemistry preferred; other sciences with strong chemistry experience considered.
• Hands-on lab experience, including sample prep and wet chemistry, is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine bench testing including sample prep, wet chemistry and dilutions.
• Conduct chemical/physical analyses to support multisource product development.
• Provide analytical support for release of registration materials for regulatory submissions.
• Assist in analytical method validation and transfer activities to ensure robustness.
• Document activities and results with data integrity and compliance to cGXP guidelines.
• Collaborate with quality and manufacturing teams to complete tasks on schedule.

Skills

Bench testing

Wet chemistry

Data integrity

cGXP compliance

Analytical support

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Chemistry or Biochemistry preferred

Other science with lab experience

Tools

HPLC

GC

Job description

QC Scientist I

Job Description

The QC Scientist I performs hands-on bench testing to support the development and release of multisource pharmaceutical products. This role focuses on chemical and physical analyses, including sample preparation, wet chemistry, standard weighing, and dilutions, with progressive training on HPLC and GC techniques. The scientist provides analytical support for registration material release, regulatory submissions, and method validation and transfer activities across Oral Dose Solids and Nasals departments, ensuring all work complies with cGXP standards and internal procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine bench testing, including sample preparation, wet chemistry, standard weighing, and preparation of dilutions to support product development and quality control.
• Conduct chemical and physical analyses in support of developing manufacturable multisource pharmaceutical products.
• Provide analytical support for the release of registration materials used in regulatory submissions.
• Assist in analytical method validation and transfer activities to ensure methods are robust, reproducible, and suitable for their intended use.
• Execute assigned analytical tasks for product development, registration lot release, and pre- and post-regulatory submission activities within established timelines.
• Work in compliance with cGXP guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and company practices.
• Document analytical activities, observations, and results accurately, promptly, and right-first-time, maintaining data integrity at all times.
• Follow written analytical procedures and protocols, ensuring consistent and reliable execution of test methods.
• Identify execution challenges in analytical methods and actively support troubleshooting activities to resolve issues.
• Collaborate with team members in both the quality group and, as needed, the manufacturing area to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Manage multiple analytical tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high quality and compliance standards.
• Use sound scientific judgment and professional competency when performing analyses and interpreting results under appropriate supervision.
• Participate in cross-training across Oral Dose Solids and Nasals departments to broaden technical capabilities and support departmental needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in a science field is required.
• Preferred bachelors degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
• Candidates with degrees in Biology, Microbiology, Physics, Environmental Science, or Pharmaceutical Science will be considered with strong chemistry laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated prior laboratory experience, which may be from academic settings.
• Strongly preferred experience working in laboratories outside of academia.
• Hands-on experience with sample preparation and wet chemistry techniques.
• Ability to perform accurate standard weighing and prepare precise dilutions.
• Foundational knowledge of chemical testing and quality control principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Capability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for documenting and discussing analytical work.
• Ability to work under supervision while applying scientific judgment and professional competency.
• Commitment to following cGXP guidelines, SOPs, work instructions, and company practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in biochemistry and chemistry is advantageous.
• Exposure to pharmaceutical quality control or chemical testing environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with HPLC and GC techniques, or strong interest in learning these methods, is a plus.
• Ability to identify method execution challenges and contribute to troubleshooting efforts.
• Strong organizational skills to manage documentation and multiple concurrent tasks.
• Comfort working across different product areas, including Oral Dose Solids and Nasals.
• Interest in professional growth within a large pharmaceutical manufacturing organization that promotes from within and offers significant upward mobility.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality environment. The QC Scientist I spends most of the time in laboratory settings within the quality group, performing bench testing and analytical work, and may occasionally work in the manufacturing area to support operational needs. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with flexibility and the option to work four 10-hour days where appropriate. The environment emphasizes adherence to cGXP standards, detailed documentation, and collaboration across departments. The organization offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement, with a culture that supports internal promotion and career development, particularly following recent restructuring that has created additional pathways for upward mobility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Columbus, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 7, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

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.