Production Chemist

Production Process Chemist (Contract) | Peptide Manufacturing & GMP Operations
Overview

We are seeking a Production Process Chemist to provide hands-on technical support for commercial peptide manufacturing operations within a regulated biotechnology environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a chemist or process professional looking to gain extensive exposure to GMP manufacturing, process validation, technology transfer, equipment qualification, and commercial-scale peptide production . In this highly collaborative role, you will partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance teams to support production activities, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, investigate deviations, and ensure compliance with cGMP standards. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide floor-side technical support for commercial peptide manufacturing operations, including:
  • Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS)
  • Peptide cleavage
  • Purification processes
  • Lyophilization (freeze drying)
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, QA, and QC teams to support routine production and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support technology transfer activities to successfully implement new and optimized manufacturing processes.
• Assist with deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and quality system documentation.
• Support CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) activities through data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Execute and document process validation activities, including:
  • Process Performance Qualification (PPQ)
  • Continued Process Verification (CPV)
• Support equipment qualification activities, including:
  • Installation Qualification (IQ)
  • Operational Qualification (OQ)
  • Performance Qualification (PQ)
• Monitor manufacturing processes, analyze production trends, and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Review batch records and manufacturing documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and cGMP compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline .
• Experience working in a cGMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences manufacturing environment .
• Knowledge of peptide manufacturing processes, including:
  • Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS)
  • Purification
  • Cleavage
  • Lyophilization
• Experience supporting process validation activities such as PPQ and CPV.
• Experience supporting equipment qualification activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Understanding of deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and quality systems.
• Experience supporting CAPA programs and documentation.
• Strong technical writing and GMP documentation skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Willingness to spend significant time supporting operations on the manufacturing floor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior peptide manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting commercial pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with technology transfer projects.
• Experience working within formal quality systems and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production setting.

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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 click.appcast.io 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.