Sr. Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA benefits

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development for hands-on biologics drug product work in San Diego, CA. You will develop and execute analytical studies, characterize proteins, and support method transfer in a fast-paced environment.

Qualified candidates have 4+ years of industry experience (MS 2+ years) and hands-on HPLC/UPLC with protein characterization skills. This contract role offers collaboration across Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and external

Qualifications

• Four-plus years of industry experience with relevant science degree.
• Master’s degree with 2+ years in biotech or pharma preferred.
• HPLC/UPLC methods experience is required.
• Biologics/protein characterization techniques and SOP writing.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing for biologics characterization.
• Prepare samples, reagents, buffers and standards for testing.
• Develop, qualify and troubleshoot analytical methods.
• Analyze data and prepare reports, protocols, and summaries.
• Maintain GMP-compliant documentation and records.
• Collaborate with multiple teams and external partners.
• Support technology transfer and clinical manufacturing activities.
• Maintain equipment and manage multiple projects to meet timelines.

Skills

HPLC/UPLC operation

Protein characterization

Technical writing

Education

BSc in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemistry or related

MS in related field with 2+ years experience

Tools

HPLC/UPLC platforms

SEC

RP

HIC

IEX/CEX

CAD

CE-SDS

Charge Variant Analysis

iCiEF

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Sr.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development to support biologics drug product development through hands‑on laboratory experimentation, formulation development, physicochemical characterization, and analytical testing. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of innovative biologic therapies while collaborating with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced pharmaceutical development environment.

The successful candidate will independently execute analytical studies, interpret and present scientific data, support method development initiatives, maintain laboratory instrumentation, and contribute to clinical and technology transfer activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, UPLC, and iCiEF techniques to support biologics characterization and development activities.
• Prepare samples, reagents, buffers, and standards for routine and experimental testing.
• Conduct physicochemical and protein characterization studies to evaluate product quality and stability.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports, protocols, study summaries, and presentations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation in accordance with GMP and regulatory expectations.
• Support analytical method development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting activities.
• Collaborate with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Project Management, and external partners to support drug product development programs.
• Assist with technology transfer activities and clinical manufacturing support.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting development timelines.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.

Technical Skills

• Hands‑on experience operating and executing methods utilizing HPLC/UPLC platforms.
• Experience with biologics and protein characterization techniques, including:
• Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
• Reverse Phase (RP)
• Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC)
• Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX/CEX)
• Charged Aerosol Detection (CAD)
• CE‑SDS
• Charge Variant Analysis
• Particle Characterization
• Experience with Imaged Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (iCiEF) and related charge variant characterization methods.
• Working knowledge of biologics, protein chemistry, and analytical development principles.
• Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of SOPs, protocols, reports, and study plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or biologics development environment.
• Familiarity with GMP documentation practices and regulatory expectations.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supporting multiple concurrent drug development programs.

Work Environment

• Fully onsite laboratory position.
• Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Collaborative environment working closely with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Project Management, and external stakeholders.
• Fast‑paced setting supporting biologics development and clinical manufacturing activities.
• Contract assignment anticipated to last approximately 5 to 7 months.
• Two‑stage interview process.

Why this position?

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge biologics development while gaining exposure to analytical characterization, formulation development, technology transfer, and clinical manufacturing support. You will work alongside experienced scientific professionals and have a direct impact on advancing innovative therapies from development to clinical application.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $43.00/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 San Diego,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.