Scientist II Cell Culture Manufacturing

Actalent; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO/ Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is hiring a Scientist II, Cell Culture Manufacturing in Carlsbad, CA to perform hands-on mammalian cell culture activities supporting production schedules. The role emphasizes aseptic technique, documentation, and adherence to GMP/GLP in a regulated biomanufacturing setting.

The successful candidate will maintain human/animal cell lines, monitor culture health, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of research-grade products for worldwide use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on lab experience in cell culture, biotechnology, bioprocessing, or microbiology.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture techniques: thawing/recovery, seeding/expansion, feeding/passaging, counting/viability, culture maintenance.
• Strong aseptic technique and experience in biosafety cabinets.
• Experience following SOPs, GMP/GLP, or other regulated quality systems.
• Ability to accurately document experimental and manufacturing activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on mammalian cell culture manufacturing activities to support production schedules.
• Thaw, seed, feed, passage, expand, and maintain human and animal cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Monitor cell density, viability, growth kinetics, and culture health.
• Prepare media, feeds, buffers, and other reagents.
• Operate and maintain culture equipment including biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, CO incubators.
• Support hybridoma and protein-expression workflows.
• Complete batch records with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Identify deviations, contamination events, or non-conforming materials.
• Follow SOPs, GMP/GLP guidelines, quality requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and technical teams for continuous improvement.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Documentation & GMP/GLP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/ Biotechnology/ Cell Biology

Tools

Biosafety cabinets

Centrifuges

CO incubators

Job description

Scientist II Cell Culture ManufacturingAbout the Role

We are seeking a Scientist II, Cell Culture Manufacturing to join a growing team focused on producing high-quality cell-based products that support life science research worldwide. This is a hands‑on laboratory role ideal for professionals with experience in mammalian cell culture who are passionate about biotechnology, bioprocessing, and manufacturing excellence.

In this position, you will perform critical cell culture manufacturing activities, including expansion and maintenance of human and animal cell lines, culture monitoring, documentation, and adherence to GMP/GLP standards. You will play a key role in ensuring the consistent production of research‑grade biological products in a quality‑controlled environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on mammalian cell culture manufacturing activities to support production schedules.
• Thaw, seed, feed, passage, expand, and maintain human and animal cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Monitor and assess cell density, viability, growth kinetics, and overall culture health.
• Prepare and qualify media, feeds, buffers, and other laboratory reagents.
• Operate and maintain standard cell culture equipment, including biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and CO incubators.
• Support hybridoma and protein‑expression cell culture workflows.
• Complete batch records and manufacturing documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Identify, document, and identify deviations, contamination events, or non‑conforming materials.
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GMP/GLP guidelines, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and technical teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in cell culture, biotechnology, bioprocessing, or microbiology.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, including:
• Thawing and recovery
• Seeding and expansion
• Cell feeding and passaging
• Cell counting and viability assessment
• Culture maintenance and monitoring
• Strong aseptic technique and experience working in biosafety cabinets.
• Experience following controlled documentation practices, SOPs, GMP, GLP, or other regulated quality systems.
• Ability to accurately document experimental and manufacturing activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antibody production, hybridoma cultures, or recombinant protein expression systems.
• Knowledge of cell‑based manufacturing or bioprocessing environments.
• Familiarity with deviation reporting, batch record review, and quality investigations.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to recognize contamination risks and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 20 pounds regularly, with occasional heavier lifting assistance.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment requiring PPE and adherence to safety protocols.

Work Environment & Growth Opportunity

This is a full‑time onsite position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM 4:30 PM, with occasional schedule flexibility required to support cell growth and manufacturing timelines.

You will gain exposure to:

• Mammalian cell culture manufacturing
• Hybridoma technology
• Protein and antibody expression workflows
• GMP/GLP quality systems
• Biomanufacturing best practices
• Advanced cell culture production techniques

This role offers an excellent opportunity for scientists looking to expand their expertise in a regulated biotechnology manufacturing environment while contributing to products that advance scientific discovery and research.

Why Apply?

• Hands‑on biotechnology manufacturing experience
• Exposure to cutting‑edge cell culture and protein expression technologies
• Stable Monday‑Friday schedule
• Opportunity to contribute to products used by researchers globally
• Collaborative, science‑driven team environment

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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 position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 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.