Scientist II, Protein Modification

Actalent; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist II, Protein Purification to support downstream purification activities in Carlsbad, CA. You will perform chromatography, Tangential Flow Filtration, buffer preparation, analytical testing, and maintain quality documentation to meet production goals in a GMP environment.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Biology/Biochemistry/Chemistry and at least 3 years of hands-on purification experience with ÄKTA or Bio-Rad NGC systems, TFF, SDS-PAGE, and documented GMP/ISO

Responsibilities

• Execute protein purification processes using chromatography systems such as ÄKTA and Bio-Rad NGC.
• Perform tangential flow filtration (TFF) operations for protein concentration and buffer exchange.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and process solutions according to established procedures.
• Conduct analytical testing, including SDS-PAGE, to evaluate protein quality and process performance.
• Monitor and analyze chromatography data to ensure process consistency and product quality.
• Troubleshoot routine technical issues and support deviation investigations and root cause analyses.
• Complete and maintain accurate batch records, manufacturing documentation, and controlled quality system records.
• Support equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory management, and laboratory organization.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, validation activities, and equipment qualifications.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Development, and Technical Operations teams to support production goals.
• Adhere to GMP, quality, and laboratory safety requirements at all times.

Job description

Scientist II, Protein PurificationPosition Summary

The Scientist II, Protein Purification is responsible for supporting protein manufacturing operations in a controlled laboratory environment. This role focuses on downstream protein purification activities, including chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), buffer preparation, analytical testing, and manufacturing documentation. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute protein purification processes using chromatography systems such as ÄKTA and/or Bio-Rad NGC platforms.

• Perform tangential flow filtration (TFF) operations for protein concentration and buffer exchange.

• Prepare buffers, reagents, and process solutions according to established procedures.

• Conduct analytical testing, including SDS-PAGE, to evaluate protein quality and process performance.

• Monitor and analyze chromatography data to ensure process consistency and product quality.

• Troubleshoot routine technical issues and support deviation investigations and root cause analyses.

• Complete and maintain accurate batch records, manufacturing documentation, and controlled quality system records.

• Support equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory management, and laboratory organization.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives, validation activities, and equipment qualifications.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Development, and Technical Operations teams to support production goals.

• Adhere to GMP, quality, and laboratory safety requirements at all times.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on protein purification experience in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.

• Experience with chromatography-based purification systems, including ÄKTA and/or Bio-Rad NGC platforms.

• Hands-on experience with Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF).

• Experience performing protein analysis techniques such as SDS-PAGE.

• Working knowledge of protein chemistry and downstream processing principles.

• Experience working within GMP, ISO 9001, or other regulated quality systems.

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent documentation, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with protein characterization techniques.

• Experience supporting validation, qualification, and continuous improvement projects.

• Previous experience in a protein manufacturing or biopharmaceutical production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in cold room environments (approximately 4°C / 39°F).

• Ability to stand for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and move laboratory materials and equipment as needed.

Key Skills

• Protein Purification

• Chromatography (ÄKTA, Bio-Rad NGC)

• Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)

• SDS-PAGE

• Protein Characterization

• GMP / Quality Systems

• ISO 9001

• Batch Records & Documentation

• Process Improvement

• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

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 - $40.00/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 Carlsbad,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.