Scientist

Actalent; South Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist Medical Device Testing (CRO) in Dayton, NJ to perform hands-on extraction and testing of medical devices for GLP-compliant in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies. You will prepare extractions, execute dosing protocols, and train junior staff while ensuring precise documentation.

Responsibilities include coordinating with study teams, running assays, cell culture work, and maintaining clean, compliant lab records in a fast-paced CRO environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on CRO experience preparing device extracts for testing.

Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate test articles for testing across devices and components.
• Prepare device extractions and dosing solutions per ISO and GLP protocols.
• Conduct in vivo dosing studies and collect animal data per protocol.
• Lead and train junior staff and maintain GLP-compliant records.

Skills

GLP experience

Animal studies

Dosing procedures

ISO standards

Cell culture

Fluorescence microscopy

Data documentation

Independent worker

Strong communication

Leadership/training

Lab safety

Analytical calculations

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy equipment

Cell culture facilities

Job description

Job Title: Scientist Medical Device Testing (CRO)

Job Description

This role focuses on hands‑on preparation and testing of a wide range of medical devices within a contract research organization (CRO) environment, supporting in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies in accordance with ISO standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). The scientist will prepare extractions from medical devices for dosing, work closely with study teams to execute protocols, and serve as a technical leader who trains and mentors less‑experienced staff. This position plays a key role in supporting animal studies that contribute to the development of therapies, including those aimed at curing cancer.

Responsibilities

• Receive, evaluate, and process medical device test articles for testing, ranging from simple solid materials to complex implants, tubing sets, syringes, and plastic components.
• Determine the appropriate testing and preparation needed for each device upon receipt, ensuring all instructions and documentation are complete and accurate.
• Calculate surface area and extraction ratios for medical devices, including complex configurations such as tubing sets where certain components (e.g., end caps) must be excluded if they will not contact patients.
• Prepare device extractions and dosing solutions according to ISO requirements, standard operating procedures, and study protocols using aseptic technique.
• Perform sample preparation and extraction of medical devices into appropriate liquids for subsequent dosing in animal studies.
• Communicate and coordinate sample preparation, scheduling, and priorities with scientific staff and Study Directors to meet project timelines.
• Run assays, read slides, and perform in vitro work including cell culture and use of fluorescence microscopy, as required by study protocols.
• Conduct dosing studies in the vivarium, including taking body weights of animals, administering test articles (such as via single injections), and observing animals as specified in the protocol.
• Participate in reporting study results and documenting testing and assay outcomes in a clear and accurate manner.
• Maintain meticulous, precise, and contemporaneous records of all preparations and laboratory activities in accordance with GLP requirements.
• Follow detailed instructions and study protocols, performing basic mathematical calculations accurately for dosing, dilutions, and extraction ratios.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work area, including cage wash and general laboratory cleanliness tasks as needed.
• Adhere to all safety requirements, including the ability to safely wear a respirator when necessary.
• Lead and mentor less experienced personnel, providing training on device preparation, extraction practices, and GLP-compliant documentation.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment where schedules and priorities may change based on client needs, while working independently and proactively seeking guidance when necessary.

Essential Skills

• Direct hands‑on CRO experience preparing extracts of medical devices for testing.
• Practical experience handling a variety of medical devices, including solid materials, implants, tubing sets, syringes, and plastic components, for extraction and testing.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO requirements relevant to medical device extraction and testing.
• 25 years of experience working under GLP conditions, specifically in in vitro toxicology or related genetic toxicology studies (e.g., mouse toxicology).
• Experience preparing device extractions for in vivo dosing, including calculating surface areas and extraction ratios and preparing solutions for animal administration.
• Background in toxicology, including dosing procedures and intravenous or related administration techniques.
• Experience with cell culture techniques and use of fluorescence microscopy for reading slides and running assays.
• Proven ability to follow detailed instructions, perform basic mathematical calculations, and accurately document laboratory activities.
• Demonstrated adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and meticulous record‑keeping.
• Strong sense of integrity, responsibility, and maturity, with the ability to handle a broad spectrum of laboratory responsibilities.
• Well‑organized, detail‑oriented approach with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced CRO environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a vivarium or animal facility, including handling animals for dosing and observation in toxicology studies.
• Previous experience in a medical device testing role, such as medical device technician or device preparation for testing under ISO standards.
• Prior employment with another CRO, bringing familiarity with client‑driven timelines and changing schedules.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including training and guiding less‑experienced laboratory staff.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced environment where schedules may shift based on client requirements, while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with scientific staff and Study Directors regarding sample preparation and scheduling.
• Ability to adapt quickly, learn new procedures, and contribute knowledge in areas where the existing team may have gaps.
• Motivation to contribute to research that supports the development of therapies, including cancer‑related treatments.

Work Environment

The role is based in a contract research organization (CRO) environment that conducts animal studies and medical device testing. Work takes place in laboratory and vivarium settings, involving hands‑on handling of medical devices, preparation of extractions, and participation in in‑vivo dosing studies. The environment is fast paced, with schedules that may change in response to client needs, and weekly activity schedules guide day‑to‑day tasks. Laboratory work involves use of standard equipment, including cell culture facilities, fluorescence microscopes, and other assay‑related instruments, as well as adherence to GLP and safety protocols. The position requires maintaining a clean, organized workspace and may include tasks such as cage wash and general facility cleanliness. Safety is a priority, and the role may require wearing a respirator when necessary. The work culture emphasizes independence, initiative, accurate documentation, collaboration with scientific staff, and a shared mission of advancing research, including studies aimed at helping to cure cancer.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of DAYTON, NJ.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 DAYTON, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 17, 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.