Senior Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Scientist – Membrane-Based Chromatography Applications

Job Description

The Scientist supports the development and application of membrane-based chromatography products for downstream purification. This role designs and executes complex experimental programs, develops and optimizes analytical methods for biomolecule characterization, and translates scientific insights into practical, customer-ready workflows and solutions. The Scientist acts as a technical subject matter expert, collaborating closely with R&D, product development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales to enable technology transfer, product adoption, and customer success. The position also provides technical leadership by mentoring junior scientists, developing SOPs and documentation, and representing the organization through technical presentations, conferences, and customer engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead application development projects focused on downstream purification and membrane-based chromatography technologies.
• Design, plan, and independently execute complex experimental programs to generate high-quality, application-relevant data.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets to assess product performance, determine application fit, and inform technical positioning.
• Develop application workflows, protocols, and technical content that support product adoption and effective use by customers.
• Develop, optimize, and implement robust analytical methods using HPLC, UPLC, fragment analyzers, gel-based assays, and related techniques for bioprocess and biomolecule characterization.
• Provide training and technical guidance to team members on analytical methods, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Proactively generate and execute study plans to address technical and development challenges through detailed characterization and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new processes and products in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Continuously review scientific literature and internal data to generate new scientific insights and share knowledge effectively with the team.
• Partner with R&D, Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales to support technology transfer and ensure successful product implementation for customers.
• Interface directly with customers to provide technical insights on product use and deliver application-level support in response to inquiries.
• Lead and support technical presentations, application notes, and conference or customer engagements as a technical representative.
• Mentor and provide hands-on technical guidance to junior scientists and other team members to support their development.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and comprehensive experimental documentation, technical reports, and data records.
• Travel periodically to support conferences, trade shows, cross-site collaboration, and customer or partner engagements.

Essential Skills

• PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline, with significant industry experience in biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with extensive (10+ years) relevant industry experience.
• Strong experience in downstream processing, chromatography, purification, or bioprocessing applications.
• Hands-on experience developing, validating, and applying analytical methods using HPLC and UPLC in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with chromatography systems such as ÄKTA or FPLC for protein purification and related applications.
• Practical experience with fragment analyzers and gel-based techniques for biomolecule characterization.
• Proven ability to independently lead scientific projects from design through execution, analysis, and reporting, and to drive results.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to conduct data-driven root cause analysis and problem-solving.
• Excellent documentation skills, including maintaining detailed experimental records and generating technical reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability and willingness to give technical presentations internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and develop junior team members through hands-on guidance and technical leadership.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a regulated or product-driven environment.
• High level of self-motivation, attention to detail, and effectiveness in a fast-paced, team-based laboratory environment.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.
• Ability to positively influence and collaborate with others without relying on direct reporting authority.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically for conferences, trade shows, cross-site collaboration, and customer or partner visits.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 3–4 years of industry experience with a Master’s degree, 1–2 years of industry experience with a PhD, or 10+ years of industry experience with a Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a biopharma setting with protein purification experience.
• Experience using Empower or similar chromatography data systems for HPLC method development, control, and data analysis.
• Secondary skills in running and interpreting gel-based assays for protein and biomolecule analysis.
• Experience in biopharma or related industries with practical protein purification and bioprocessing knowledge.
• Comfort and experience interacting directly with customers to provide technical guidance, application support, and recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an approachable, collaborative style that supports effective engagement with customers and colleagues.
• Experience preparing and delivering technical presentations, application notes, and other technical content for external and internal audiences.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced, team-based laboratory environment focused on membrane-based chromatography and downstream purification applications. You will work hands-on with chromatography systems such as ÄKTA or FPLC, HPLC and UPLC platforms, fragment analyzers, and gel-based assay equipment to support bioprocess and biomolecule characterization. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams across R&D, product development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales, with frequent technical discussions and joint project work. The environment emphasizes rigorous experimental design, meticulous documentation, and data-driven decision-making while remaining flexible to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines. Periodic travel is required to attend conferences and trade shows, participate in cross-site collaboration, and engage directly with customers and partners in technical discussions and product support.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Greenville, SC.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $48.00/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 Greenville,SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 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.