Sr. Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development Job Description

This Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development role focuses on supporting biologics drug product development through hands-on laboratory experimentation, physicochemical characterization, formulation development, and analytical testing. You will independently design and execute studies, interpret complex data, and prepare clear scientific documentation to advance protein-based therapeutics. The position offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art analytical technologies, contribute to innovative biologic drug products, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced pharmaceutical development environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and execute laboratory studies to support biologics drug product and formulation development.
• Perform routine and advanced HPLC/UPLC analyses, including SEC, RP, HIC, IEX/CEX, CAD, and CE-SDS, to characterize protein-based therapeutics.
• Run and interpret iCiEF and other charge variant analyses to assess biologic molecule quality and heterogeneity.
• Conduct particle characterization and related analyses to support drug product stability and quality assessments.
• Prepare samples, buffers, and reagents according to established protocols and good laboratory practices.
• Perform physicochemical characterization and support formulation development, stability studies, process development, and drug product optimization activities.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends or atypical results, and draw scientifically sound conclusions to inform development strategies.
• Author and review technical documents, including SOPs, protocols, reports, and study plans, with strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot liquid chromatography systems and other analytical instruments to ensure reliable performance.
• Ensure accurate and complete laboratory documentation, including electronic and paper records, in accordance with regulated pharmaceutical or biotech environment expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Analytical Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Project Management, and external partners to support development objectives.
• Support technology transfer activities and clinical manufacturing efforts, including fill-finish and related operations for biologics drug products.
• Balance multiple concurrent development programs and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
• Contribute to characterization strategies and process development initiatives for biologics drug product programs.
• Participate in a two-round interview and onboarding process and integrate quickly into a collaborative pharmaceutical development laboratory setting.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience executing HPLC/UPLC methods, including SEC, RP, HIC, IEX/CEX, CAD, and CE-SDS, for biologics characterization.
• Demonstrated experience with liquid chromatography systems, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Required experience with imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (iCiEF) methods for characterization of biologic molecules.
• Direct experience in biologics drug product and formulation development, including stability studies, process development, characterization, and drug product optimization for protein-based therapeutics.
• Strong understanding of biologics, protein chemistry, and protein characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in charge variant analysis and particle analysis for protein-based drug products.
• Ability to analyze experimental data, identify trends or atypical results, and provide scientifically grounded interpretations.
• Strong technical writing skills for authoring SOPs, protocols, reports, and study plans.
• Experience working in regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments, including familiarity with GMP-related expectations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to support multiple concurrent development programs.
• BS in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience, OR MS with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in biochemistry, chemistry, or related life sciences disciplines supporting protein and biologics development.
• Experience with fill-finish operations and knowledge of drug product manufacturing workflows for biologics.
• Familiarity with broader analytical development strategies and cross-functional pharmaceutical development activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment and communicate clearly with scientists and partners from multiple disciplines.
• Comfort working in fast-paced project settings and adapting to evolving priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality in all laboratory and documentation activities.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a collaborative pharmaceutical development laboratory, operating Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You will work closely with cross-functional partners in Analytical Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Project Management, and external collaborators, contributing to biologics drug product programs in a fast-paced project environment. The position offers access to state-of-the-art analytical technologies and exposure to formulation development, process development, characterization strategies, and clinical manufacturing support. The engagement is structured as a contract of approximately 5–7 months, with a two-round interview process prior to onboarding.

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 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.