Sr. Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development

Job Description

Job Description

Biologics Drug Product Development ScientistAbout the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Biologics Drug Product Development Scientist to support formulation development, analytical characterization, process development, and clinical manufacturing activities for protein-based therapeutics. This individual will play a key role in advancing biologics programs through hands-on laboratory execution, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced pharmaceutical development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and support biologics drug product development activities, including formulation development, characterization, stability studies, and process optimization.
• Perform analytical testing using a variety of characterization techniques, including HPLC/UPLC-based methods and protein analysis assays.
• Generate, review, and maintain accurate laboratory documentation, including electronic and paper records, in compliance with GMP and pharmaceutical industry standards.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, investigate atypical results, and communicate scientifically sound conclusions.
• Collaborate closely with Analytical Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Program Management, and external partners to achieve project milestones.
• Support technology transfer initiatives and clinical manufacturing activities, including fill-finish operations for biologics drug products.
• Contribute to the development and execution of characterization strategies for protein therapeutics.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize competing deadlines in a dynamic development environment.
• Author and review technical documents including SOPs, protocols, study plans, and technical reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of industry experience, OR Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with biologics drug product development and protein-based therapeutics.
• Strong expertise with HPLC/UPLC techniques, including:
  • SEC
  • Reverse Phase (RP)
  • Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC)
  • Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX/CEX)
  • CAD
  • CE-SDS
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting chromatography systems.
• Required experience performing imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (iCiEF) analysis.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry, biologics characterization, and analytical method execution.
• Experience with charge variant analysis and particle characterization of biologic drug products.
• Ability to interpret complex analytical data and present findings effectively.
• Experience working within regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting clinical manufacturing and technology transfer activities.
• Knowledge of biologics fill-finish operations and drug product manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with broader analytical development strategies and CMC activities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Work Environment

• Fully onsite laboratory position.
• Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Collaborative pharmaceutical development environment with exposure to Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams.
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and contribute to the advancement of innovative biologics programs.
• Contract engagement anticipated to last approximately 5-7 months .
• Two-step interview process.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience in biologics formulation and drug product development , advanced protein characterization expertise, and a proven ability to independently drive laboratory studies while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams. Experience with iCiEF, HPLC/UPLC-based characterization methods, and protein therapeutics is highly desired.

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 Oct 16, 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.