Senior Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Scientist

Job Description

The Senior Scientist independently develops, validates, and authors analytical methods for new and existing products, ensuring that all activities follow standard operating procedures and applicable regulations. This role focuses on testing new development raw materials and pilot lot stability samples, creating and executing instrument calibration and qualification methods, and maintaining laboratory instrumentation. The Scientist serves as a technical expert, advising and training personnel on new methods, instrument operation, and data analysis, while ensuring that research and development practices comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, validate, and write analytical methods for new development and existing products in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Test new development raw materials and pilot lot stability samples using appropriate analytical techniques.
• Develop, write, and implement instrument calibration and qualification methods for laboratory equipment.
• Calibrate, qualify, and maintain laboratory instruments to ensure accurate and reliable performance.
• Advise laboratory personnel on new analytical methods, instrument operation, and computer-based data analysis.
• Assist in troubleshooting analytical methods, instrumentation issues, and data anomalies, and drive resolution of technical problems.
• Ensure research and development methods, techniques, and testing procedures comply with government regulations and internal policies and procedures.
• Transfer validated test procedures to appropriate laboratory groups, including preparing documentation and conducting training for technology transfer.
• Inspect and review the work of other scientists to ensure compliance with methods, procedures, and quality standards.
• Train personnel in new analytical methods, instrument operation, and computer analysis of data.
• Test finished products, raw materials, and drug product components using established methodologies.
• Review paperwork, software-generated results, and laboratory notebooks for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Provide timely and appropriate feedback on test results and documentation based on established procedures.
• Perform investigational testing to support root cause analysis and resolution of product or process issues.
• Prepare clear and concise reports for management as required or requested, summarizing test results, investigations, and method validations.
• Maintain research and development functions related to new active ingredients, raw materials, and other components.
• Validate test methods for active ingredients, impurities and degradation products, raw materials, preservatives, and solvents using state-of-the-art analytical techniques.
• Assist in the creation and support of new product applications by providing analytical and technical input.
• Perform accelerated and nominal stability testing of new drug products and interpret results to support product development and shelf-life assessments.
• Support quality assurance, internal audits, compliance activities, inspections, and quality control initiatives as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with 8–10 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree in Chemistry with 6–8 years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary laboratory practices and procedures.
• Proficiency in computer software used in laboratory environments, including LabX, LIMS, Empower, spreadsheet applications, and word processing tools.
• Ability to operate specialized laboratory equipment such as HPLC, FTIR, pH meters, GC, UPLC, LCMS, and UV/Vis spectrophotometers.
• Experience validating analytical test methods for active ingredients, impurities, degradation products, raw materials, preservatives, and solvents.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, write, and implement analytical methods and instrument calibration/qualification procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Leadership capabilities with experience guiding and inspecting the work of other scientists or laboratory staff.
• Effective teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate across research, development, and quality functions.
• Sound problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot methods, instrumentation, and data issues.
• Quality-focused mindset with attention to detail in documentation, testing, and compliance.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, documentation, and training materials.
• Competence in using measurement tools such as micrometers and calipers for inspection and quality control activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with quality assurance, internal auditing, and compliance processes.
• Experience with quality control, quality inspection, and supporting audit and inspection activities.
• Strong project management skills to coordinate method development, validation, and technology transfer.
• Demonstrated ability to provide training on analytical methods, instrument operation, and data analysis software.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports for management and regulatory documentation.
• Comfort working with software-generated results and maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks.
• Ability to support the creation of new product applications through analytical expertise.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in laboratory and clean room settings within a manufacturing environment. The Scientist works with advanced analytical technologies and equipment, including HPLC, FTIR, GC, UPLC, LCMS, UV/Vis, pH meters, micrometers, and calipers, as well as software systems such as LabX, LIMS, and Empower. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with some flexibility in hours. The environment emphasizes adherence to laboratory safety protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards. Work involves both bench-level experimental activities and computer-based data analysis, documentation, and reporting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Syracuse, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Syracuse,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 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 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.