Scientist II, Protein Purification

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

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Scientist II, Protein Purification in Carlsbad, CA to perform hands-on purification in a controlled manufacturing lab. You will run chromatographic purification processes, operate ÄKTA/UNICORN and Bio-Rad NGC systems, prepare buffers, and document activities supporting SOPs and batch records.

The role involves troubleshooting routinely, maintaining records, and contributing to process improvement, validation, and investigations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related discipline.
• 3+ years of protein purification experience.
• Hands-on experience independently executing protein purification workflows.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry and chromatography.
• Ability to work independently within established procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein purification workflows independently using chromatography modes (affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, hydrophobic interaction).
• Operate FPLC purification systems, with preference for Cytiva ÄKTA systems using UNICORN or Bio-Rad NGC systems.
• Evaluate chromatograms and data to identify abnormal purification performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Document manufacturing activities and maintain batch and equipment records.
• Participate in process improvement, validation, qualification, and investigation activities.

Skills

Protein purification

Chromatography

FPLC systems

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry

Tools

ÄKTA/UNICORN

Bio-Rad NGC

Job description

Scientist II, Protein PurificationJob Description

The Scientist II will engage in hands‑on protein purification within a controlled manufacturing laboratory. This role involves running chromatographic purification processes, operating advanced systems like ÄKTA/UNICORN and Bio‑Rad NGC, preparing buffers, performing TFF and SDS-PAGE, evaluating chromatograms, and documenting manufacturing activities. The position requires troubleshooting routine purification and equipment issues, maintaining batch and equipment records, supporting SOP and batch record revisions, and participating in process improvement, validation, qualification, and investigation activities.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein purification workflows independently using multiple chromatography modes such as affinity, ion‑exchange, size‑exclusion, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.


• Operate FPLC purification systems, with a strong preference for experience with Cytiva ÄKTA systems using UNICORN software or Bio‑Rad NGC systems.


• Evaluate chromatograms and process data to recognize abnormal purification performance and troubleshoot routine process and equipment issues.


• Document manufacturing activities and maintain batch and equipment records.


• Participate in process improvement, validation, qualification, and investigation activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related discipline.


• 3+ years of relevant protein purification experience.


• Hands‑on experience independently executing protein purification workflows.


• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of protein chemistry and chromatography.


• Ability to work independently within established procedures.


• Strong scientific troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong documentation and attention to detail.


• Comfortable working within a controlled Quality Management System.


• Able to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.


• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Carlsbad, CA within a controlled manufacturing laboratory. It is a hands‑on laboratory role that may require varying schedules or hours based on production needs. The role involves extended periods of standing and regular lifting up to 20 lbs, with occasional lifting of 45+ lbs with assistance/equipment. The individual must work safely around chemicals and hazardous materials and be comfortable performing work in a +4°C cold room. The role involves cross‑functional collaboration with production, quality, and technical teams.

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.