Scientist

Actalent; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Pre-tax and Roth post-tax benefits

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Research Scientist in the South San Francisco area to support Discovery Proteomics and early target-discovery efforts. The role is lab-based, requiring hands-on mass spectrometry proteomics, LC-MS workflows, sample prep, and data analysis.

The position involves designing workflows, applying labeling approaches, and collaborating with bioinformatics to interpret results. Onsite primarily, with data-analysis remote allowances and standard business hours.

Qualifications

• Hands-on LC-MS / mass spectrometry-based proteomics experience.
• Ability to independently operate, evaluate, and troubleshoot LC-MS systems/workflows.
• Experience with commonly used proteomics data-analysis software.
• Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute proteomics workflows including LC-MS analysis and quantitative approaches (DDA, DIA, TMT, PRM).
• Apply cell surface and proximity-labeling approaches to support target discovery and characterization.
• Independently operate, evaluate, and troubleshoot LC-MS systems and workflows.
• Process and evaluate proteomics data using software such as Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, and DIA-NN, and collaborate on downstream analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientists to interpret results and support data integration.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, protocols, and documentation.

Skills

LC-MS proteomics

LC-MS systems troubleshooting

Proteomics data-analysis software

Sample preparation for MS

Education

PhD preferred

Masters with 2+ years experience

Bachelor's with 4+ years experience

Tools

Proteome Discoverer

Spectronaut

DIA-NN

Job description

Actalent is hiring for a Research Scientist in the South San Francisco area!

This Scientist will support Discovery Proteomics and internal target-discovery efforts. The position is heavily laboratory-based and requires hands-on experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including LC-MS workflows, sample preparation, and proteomics data analysis. The Scientist will support early discovery programs and technology platforms through discovery and targeted proteomic analyses.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute proteomics workflows encompassing sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, and quantitative approaches including DDA, DIA, TMT, and PRM.
• Apply cell surface and proximity-labeling approaches to support target discovery and characterization.
• Independently operate, evaluate, and troubleshoot LC-MS systems and proteomics workflows.
• Process and evaluate proteomics data using software such as Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, and DIA-NN, and collaborate with bioinformatics scientists on downstream analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientists to interpret and communicate results and support data integration.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, protocols, and documentation.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on LC-MS / mass spectrometry-based proteomics experience.
• Ability to independently operate, evaluate, and troubleshoot LC-MS systems/workflows.
• Experience with commonly used proteomics data-analysis software.
• Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry analysis.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD preferred; a fresh PhD is acceptable.
• Masters degree may be considered with approximately 2+ years of experience, or a Bachelor's Degree with 4+ years of experience.
• Previous industry experience is not necessarily required if the candidate has strong, directly applicable academic/research experience.

Work Environment

The role is primarily onsite and lab-based, with an expectation of working 5 days onsite. Occasional remote work may be possible when tasks are limited to data analysis. The schedule follows standard business hours, roughly 85, with no anticipated overtime or weekend work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $37.00/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 South San Francisco,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.