Scientist II

ACTalent; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist II contractor to accelerate LVV and AAV generation platforms in South San Francisco. You will integrate automation, develop scalable upstream/downstream processes, and perform analytics to ensure high-quality viral vectors for screening and pipeline studies.

The role requires experience with mammalian cell culture, viral vector work, and DOE-driven process development in a BSL2 environment.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD with 3+ years lab or industrial experience.
• Experience with viral vectors and high-throughput workflows is preferred.
• Strong data presentation and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement and program automated liquid handling for high-throughput LVV and AAV workflows.
• Develop scalable LVV upstream production from seed to harvest.
• Establish LVV downstream processes with suitable depth filtration and microfiltration.
• Perform QC analytics and characterization of viral vectors.
• Manage data inventory and document protocols for tech transfer.
• Author SOPs and technical reports and present data in meetings.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Ex vivo CAR T engineering

Lentivirus/AAV production experience

Education

MS/PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics or related field

Tools

Automated liquid handling

Flow cytometer

BSL2 facility management

Job description

Job Title: Scientist II

We are seeking a collaborative and driven contractor to accelerate our lentiviral vector (LVV) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) generation platforms. The primary objective of this engagement is to increase viral vector production throughput and yield to support rapid turnaround for screening and pipeline studies. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a cutting-edge research team and contribute to the development of innovative viral vector-based therapeutic modalities, supporting our research community in applying viral vectors as powerful research tools.

Responsibilities

• Integrate automation and high-throughput LVV and AAV workflows by implementing and programming automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput transfection, transduction, sample dilution, and cell seeding.
• Develop and optimize suspension-based lentiviral vector (LVV) upstream production platforms, designing and executing robust scalable processes from seed train expansion to shake flask production and primary harvest.
• Develop and establish downstream LVV processes by evaluating and identifying optimal low-shear depth filtration and microfiltration protocols tailored to large-scale virus production.
• Conduct cutting-edge analytics for LVV and AAV quality control, performing physical and functional characterization of viral vectors to ensure high-quality services.
• Manage data inventory and protocol, analyzing multivariate process datasets and maintaining an organized virus inventory using digital informatics platforms.
• Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical reports, and tech transfer protocols, presenting data in group and departmental meetings.

Essential Skills

• Proficient in mammalian cell culture and general molecular biology techniques such as transient plasmid transfection, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, dPCR, and Western blot.
• Require strong data analysis and presentation skills.
• Previous experience with ex vivo CAR T engineering using lentivirus is a must.
• Working experience with lentivirus or AAV production in adherent or suspension cells, process development, statistical DOE modeling, and automated liquid handling are highly desirable.
• Experience with flow cytometer operations, electronic notebook, and BSL2 facility management are also a strong plus.
• Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, analytical, highly organized, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• MS/PhD degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related discipline with 3 years of laboratory research or industrial experience.

Work Environment

The role involves working with a cutting-edge research team, utilizing advanced technologies such as automated liquid handling systems and micro-scale bioreactor platforms. The position requires working in a BSL2 facility, ensuring safety and compliance with laboratory standards. The environment is dynamic and innovative, encouraging collaboration and continuous learning.

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 $43.00 - $47.00/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 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South San Francisco, 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.