Purification Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Purification Scientist (DNA/RNA Manufacturing) Overview

The Purification Scientist plays a key role in a DNA/RNA manufacturing team focused on plasmid and vector production. This position is responsible for executing established purification workflows, ensuring compliance with SOPs, and maintaining high-quality, real-time documentation in a fast-paced, GMP-aligned environment. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking to build a career in biotech manufacturing.

• Execute agar plating, colony selection, and culture growth to support plasmid/vector production
• Perform plasmid and vector purification using established protocols and workflows
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and perform DNA dilutions for downstream processing
• Handle DNA and RNA safely and accurately throughout production cycles
• Strictly adhere to SOPs and GMP/GMP-like standards across all activities
• Maintain accurate, real-time documentation (batch records, logs, and supporting documentation)
• Support manufacturing operations to meet production targets and timelines
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure efficient workflow and smooth handoffs
• Ensure consistent, high-quality output through attention to detail and process discipline
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA handling, PCR, plasmids)
• Experience with plasmid and/or vector purification workflows
• Familiarity with cell culture techniques supporting DNA production
• Proven ability to follow SOPs in a lab or manufacturing environment
• Strong documentation skills with knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
• Understanding of GMP or GMP-like environments and batch record management
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong teamwork and communication abilities

• Prior experience in biotech or biopharma manufacturing
• Exposure to GMP-regulated production environments
• Experience working in high-throughput or production-driven settings

• Interest in building a career in DNA/RNA manufacturing and biotech
• Comfort working in structured, process-driven environments
• Ability to quickly learn and execute standardized workflows
• Strong time management and ability to meet production deadlines
• High level of accountability, precision, and quality focus
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to a team-oriented culture

• Hands-on experience in cutting-edge DNA/RNA manufacturing
• Clear pathways for growth within biotech manufacturing
• Structured training and development programs
• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.