R&D Scientist (Chemistry/Polymer Science)

Actalent; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Eugene, OR is hiring an R&D Scientist (Chemistry/Polymer Science) to support fluorescence-based research and product development. The role emphasizes synthesis of molecules/polymers, formulation optimization, and collaboration across R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

The ideal candidate will design experiments, analyze data, maintain detailed records, and contribute to technology transfer while staying current with literature.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or related field.
• Laboratory experience involving synthesis, formulations, or materials development.
• Strong scientific problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team environments.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize molecules, polymers, and advanced materials for fluorescence-based applications.
• Design and execute experiments supporting new product development initiatives.
• Develop and optimize formulations using synthesized materials and supporting reagents.
• Evaluate performance of products through laboratory testing and characterization.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and documentation.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and optimize performance of formulations.
• Conduct testing using fluorescence-based technologies and instrumentation.
• Support application testing, validation, and method development activities.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Development teams.
• Present findings and recommendations to project stakeholders.
• Contribute to scientific discussions and technical problem-solving activities.
• Support technology transfer efforts when appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory safety and operational standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Formulation development

Experimental design & data analysis

Laboratory documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Product development knowledge

Fluorescence & flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Materials Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Flow cytometry

Fluorescence instrumentation

Job description

Job Title: R&D Scientist (Chemistry/Polymer Science)

The R&D Scientist will support research and product development initiatives focused on fluorescence-based technologies and applications. This individual will contribute to the synthesis, formulation, testing, and optimization of molecules, polymers, and advanced materials used in life sciences and biotechnology applications. The ideal candidate is a strong experimental scientist with experience in chemistry, materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, or related scientific disciplines, thriving in a fast-paced research environment and enjoying solving complex scientific problems.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize molecules, polymers, and advanced materials for fluorescence-based applications.
• Design and execute experiments supporting new product development initiatives.
• Develop and optimize formulations using synthesized materials and supporting reagents.
• Evaluate performance of products through laboratory testing and characterization techniques.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and documentation.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and optimize performance of formulations.
• Conduct testing using fluorescence-based technologies and instrumentation.
• Support application testing, validation, and method development activities.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Development teams.
• Present findings and recommendations to project stakeholders.
• Contribute to scientific discussions and technical problem-solving activities.
• Support technology transfer efforts when appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory safety and operational standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience synthesizing molecules, polymers, or specialty materials.
• Formulation development and optimization experience.
• Ability to design, execute, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Strong laboratory skills and documentation practices.
• Experience working independently while collaborating across cross-functional teams.
• Product development process knowledge.
• Experience with fluorescence and flow cytometry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Laboratory experience involving synthesis, formulations, or materials development.
• Strong scientific problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team environments.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Polymer synthesis experience.
• Organic synthesis experience.
• Formulation development experience.
• Fluorescence-based technology experience.
• Flow cytometry experience.
• Cell-based assay experience.
• Prior industry, co-op, internship, or research experience.
• Product development experience.

Work Environment

The role is situated in a dynamic research environment, requiring the use of fluorescence-based technologies and advanced laboratory instrumentation. The candidate will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, maintaining laboratory safety and adhering to operational standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eugene, OR.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $32.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Eugene,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 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.