Scientist II Antibody Purification & Conjugation

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

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist II to purify monoclonal antibodies and assist with bioconjugation workflows in Carlsbad, CA. The role is second shift (1:00 p.m.

– 9:30 p.m.) in an onsite lab and manufacturing setting, with structured training and progression to independent work. The candidate will operate chromatography systems (FPLC/ÄKTA), use spectrophotometers for quality control, and document results in GMP-like records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science field and at least 2 years of lab experience.
• Hands-on antibody purification using chromatography.
• Experience with FPLC/ÄKTA systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work safely with chemicals.
• Strong documentation and safety/compliance practices.

Responsibilities

• Purify monoclonal antibodies using affinity chromatography.
• Execute purification runs and monitor multiple production runs to meet schedules.
• Operate FPLC and ÄKTA systems for purification.
• Use a spectrophotometer for concentration and quality measurements.
• Assist in production of fluorescently labeled bioconjugates.

Skills

Biology degree

Biochemistry

Biotechnology

Cell Biology

Life science

Lab experience

Protein purification

Chromatography

FPLC/ÄKTA

Spectrophotometer

Documentation

Quality/compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/biochemistry/biotech/Cell Biology

Tools

FPLC/ÄKTA systems

Spectrophotometer

Job description

Job Title: Scientist II Antibody Purification & Conjugation

Job Description

This Scientist II role supports an antibody conjugation team by purifying monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma cultures and assisting with the production of fluorescently labeled bioconjugates. The position involves hands‑on laboratory and manufacturing activities, including operating chromatography and analytical equipment, documenting work accurately, and ensuring that production runs are completed on schedule. The antibodies produced support cell‑signaling research applications, and the successful candidate will build independent ownership of second‑shift production work after completing training.

Responsibilities

• Purify monoclonal antibodies from hybridoma cultures, primarily using affinity chromatography methods.
• Execute antibody purification runs and monitor multiple production runs simultaneously to meet production schedules.
• Operate FPLC and ÄKTA chromatography systems for protein and antibody purification.
• Use a spectrophotometer to perform concentration and quality measurements on purified antibodies and conjugates.
• Assist in the production of fluorescently labeled bioconjugates in support of cell‑signaling research applications.
• Prepare laboratory materials, buffers, and reagents required for purification and conjugation workflows.
• Record experimental data, process parameters, and production results accurately in laboratory and manufacturing documentation.
• Follow established quality, safety, and compliance procedures during all laboratory and manufacturing activities.
• Troubleshoot routine issues related to chromatography, purification runs, and analytical measurements, escalating unexpected technical or quality issues as needed.
• Manage assigned production activities independently during second shift after training, maintaining organization and accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.
• Apply strong laboratory math and quantitative calculation skills to prepare solutions, calculate concentrations, and verify yields.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors to coordinate production schedules, share findings, and support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the team during initial training and transition to more independent work on second shift.
• Handle laboratory chemicals safely and follow appropriate controls when working around fumes or airborne particles.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds to move equipment, materials, or supplies required for production.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands‑on experience performing protein or antibody purification using chromatography.
• Strong chromatography knowledge, preferably including FPLC and ÄKTA systems.
• Experience using a spectrophotometer for concentration and quality measurements.
• Relevant biotechnology laboratory experience in areas such as biotechnology, biochemistry, protein biology, antibody production, bioconjugation, or regulated manufacturing.
• Ability to follow written procedures and maintain accurate laboratory and manufacturing records.
• Strong laboratory math and quantitative calculation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple production activities.
• Ability to manage assigned production runs independently after training while working on second shift.
• Analytical troubleshooting and problem‑solving ability in a laboratory or production setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely around laboratory chemicals, fumes, or airborne particles with appropriate controls.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in biotechnology, laboratory manufacturing, or a GMP‑regulated environment is preferred.
• Experience with monoclonal antibody purification and bioconjugation workflows.
• Familiarity with protein characterization techniques associated with chromatography‑based purification.
• Ability to stay organized and maintain accuracy in a fast‑paced, metrics‑driven production environment.
• Capability to collaborate closely with a team during training and then transition to independent work on second shift.
• Motivation to take ownership of laboratory production work and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This role is based in an onsite laboratory and manufacturing environment in Carlsbad, California. The position follows a second‑shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Scientist II works as part of an antibody conjugation team within a fast‑paced, metrics‑driven operations setting where multiple production runs may occur simultaneously. Initial onboarding includes structured training and close team collaboration, followed by increased independence on second shift. The work environment includes the use of FPLC and ÄKTA chromatography systems, spectrophotometers, and other standard biotechnology laboratory equipment. The noise level is moderate, and there is potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles, with appropriate safety controls in place. The role may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and adherence to standard laboratory safety practices.

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)

Job Type & Location

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

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.