Scientist II

Actalent; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist II for the Antibody Purification & Conjugation team on the second shift in Carlsbad, CA. The role focuses on purifying monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma cultures and supporting fluorescent bioconjugate production.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in antibody purification, hands-on chromatography experience (FPLC/ÄKTA), and strong documentation skills. This onsite, contract-to-hire position offers growth and training within a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with protein or antibody purification utilizing chromatography-based methods.
• Working knowledge of FPLC and/or ÄKTA chromatography systems.
• Experience using spectrophotometers for protein concentration and quality analysis.
• Strong quantitative and laboratory math skills.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and record-keeping abilities.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently after training in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Purify monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma cultures using affinity chromatography and related purification techniques.
• Execute purification processes and manage multiple production runs to meet operational schedules and quality standards.
• Operate and maintain chromatography systems, including FPLC and ÄKTA platforms.
• Perform concentration and quality assessments using spectrophotometry and other analytical methods.
• Support the production of fluorescently labeled bioconjugates for cell-signaling research applications.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and materials required for purification and conjugation workflows.
• Accurately document production activities, process parameters, and experimental results.
• Follow established quality, safety, and compliance procedures in all laboratory operations.
• Troubleshoot routine chromatography, purification, and analytical issues while escalating complex concerns as needed.
• Apply laboratory calculations to prepare solutions, determine concentrations, and verify yields.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and cross-functional partners to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Transition from a collaborative training environment to independently managing second-shift production activities.

Skills

Antibody purification

FPLC / ÄKTA knowledge

Spectrophotometer use

Documentation skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Independent work

Physical ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Cell Biology

Job description

Scientist II Antibody Purification & Conjugation (Second Shift)

Location: Carlsbad, CA (Onsite)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist II to join our Antibody Conjugation team on second shift. In this hands‑on laboratory role, you will be responsible for the purification of monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma cultures and support the production of fluorescently labeled bioconjugates used in cell‑signaling research applications.

The ideal candidate brings experience in antibody or protein purification, chromatography‑based workflows, and laboratory operations within a biotechnology or regulated manufacturing environment. Following a structured onboarding and training period, you will take ownership of second‑shift production activities and play a key role in ensuring high‑quality product delivery while meeting production timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Purify monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma cultures using affinity chromatography and related purification techniques.
• Execute purification processes and manage multiple production runs to meet operational schedules and quality standards.
• Operate and maintain chromatography systems, including FPLC and ÄKTA platforms.
• Perform concentration and quality assessments using spectrophotometry and other analytical methods.
• Support the production of fluorescently labeled bioconjugates for cell‑signaling research applications.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and materials required for purification and conjugation workflows.
• Accurately document production activities, process parameters, and experimental results.
• Follow established quality, safety, and compliance procedures in all laboratory operations.
• Troubleshoot routine chromatography, purification, and analytical issues while escalating complex concerns as needed.
• Apply laboratory calculations to prepare solutions, determine concentrations, and verify yields.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and cross‑functional partners to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Transition from a collaborative training environment to independently managing second‑shift production activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands‑on experience with protein or antibody purification utilizing chromatography‑based methods.
• Working knowledge of FPLC and/or ÄKTA chromatography systems.
• Experience using spectrophotometers for protein concentration and quality analysis.
• Strong quantitative and laboratory math skills.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and record‑keeping abilities.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently after training in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology manufacturing or a GMP‑regulated environment.
• Knowledge of monoclonal antibody production, purification, and bioconjugation workflows.
• Familiarity with protein characterization techniques associated with purification processes.
• Experience balancing multiple priorities in a metrics‑driven production setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in our Carlsbad laboratory and manufacturing facility. Team members work with chromatography systems, spectrophotometers, and other standard biotechnology laboratory equipment in a fast‑paced production environment. Appropriate safety controls are in place for handling laboratory chemicals and other materials. Following training, the Scientist II will independently manage assigned second‑shift production activities while maintaining quality, accuracy, and efficiency.

Why Join the team?

• Contribute to products that support cutting‑edge cell‑signaling and life science research.
• Gain hands‑on experience with advanced antibody purification and bioconjugation technologies.
• Work in a collaborative, science‑driven environment with opportunities for growth and increased technical ownership.
• Play a critical role in delivering high‑quality reagents that enable scientific discovery worldwide.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

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.