Production Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Scientist
Job Description

The Production Scientist supports early-phase development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) by synthesizing small organic molecules and API-related impurities. In this role, you collaborate closely with lead research scientists to manufacture new and existing products during process development, optimization, technology transfer, scale-up, and process validation activities. You apply strong chemistry knowledge, follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams while contributing to high-quality, timely project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical reactions on scales ranging from gram to multi-kilogram quantities to support API development and manufacturing.
• Execute chemical synthesis, isolation, and related laboratory tasks while maintaining strict attention to detail to meet safety, quality, schedule, and customer objectives.
• Operate manufacturing and laboratory equipment safely and productively in accordance with established procedures.
• Recognize processing and quality issues during production and promptly escalate concerns to project leads or appropriate team members.
• Read, understand, and comply with technical documents, batch records, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform accurate calculations using simple mathematical formulas and operations to support laboratory and manufacturing activities.
• Record experimental and production results in a neat, precise, and compliant manner following cGMP and other applicable regulations.
• Carry out equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance, and cleaning activities as required to ensure reliable and compliant operation.
• Assist with data entry, document drafting, and other laboratory documentation tasks to support project and regulatory requirements.
• Complete all required cGMP and other relevant company training in a timely manner and apply this knowledge in daily work.
• Collaborate with lead research scientists and cross-functional teams during process development, optimization, technology transfer, scale-up, and process validation.
• Support API and API-related impurity synthesis and testing in alignment with customer needs and project goals.

• Strong chemistry background with hands-on experience in chemical synthesis of small organic molecules.
• Experience performing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) testing and API-related analytical work.
• Familiarity with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and previous experience in a GMP-regulated environment, or successful completion of a GMP class as a substitute.
• Ability to conduct and monitor chemical reactions from gram to multi-kilogram scale safely and effectively.
• Proficiency in applying a full suite of analytical testing techniques to support chemistry and API testing.
• Capability to read, interpret, and follow technical documents, batch records, and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain high standards of data integrity and documentation under cGMP.
• Competence in performing basic mathematical calculations required for laboratory and manufacturing tasks.
• Effective written communication skills for documenting work and contributing to technical documents.
• Ability to collaborate in a diverse, multidisciplinary team environment.

• Experience working in a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) or similar environment supporting multiple external customers.
• Exposure to process development, optimization, technology transfer, scale-up, or process validation activities for APIs.
• Comfort working with a wide variety of pharmaceutical customers and adapting to different project requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting project timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing training and professional development in cGMP and pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.

This is an on-site role within a dedicated laboratory and manufacturing environment as part of a smaller team of approximately 30–40 people. You work normal business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility as needed to support project timelines. The facility operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that partners with a wide variety of mid-size to large pharmaceutical companies on their API pipeline. You will work in a regulated cGMP setting, using standard laboratory and manufacturing equipment for chemical synthesis, analytical testing, and API production, and you follow appropriate laboratory safety practices and attire suitable for a GMP laboratory environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cary, NC.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/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 Cary,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 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.