Scientist II – Analytical Chemistry

Job Title: Scientist II – Analytical Chemistry

Job Description

The Scientist II – Analytical Chemistry supports analytical method development, validation, and transfer activities for oligonucleotides, raw materials, and reagent consumables in a regulated laboratory environment. This hands-on role designs, plans, and executes experiments with minimal supervision, analyzes complex data sets, troubleshoots unexpected results, and documents findings through protocols, reports, and work instructions. The position manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting, ensures compliance with GMP and quality standards, and partners cross-functionally to advance analytical programs for oligonucleotide development.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute analytical experiments for oligonucleotides, raw materials, and reagent consumables with minimal supervision.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and transfer analytical methods to support oligonucleotide synthesis, raw material qualification, and release testing in regulated environments.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR.
• Test and characterize oligonucleotides for identity, purity, and critical quality attributes using appropriate analytical methods.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and troubleshoot unexpected outcomes to improve methods and resolve technical issues.
• Document experimental work in detail through protocols, reports, and work instructions, ensuring accurate, complete, and compliant records.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with GMP, GDP, FDA, ISO, and internal quality system requirements.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting project timelines and deliverables.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to support analytical programs and contribute to project planning and decision-making.
• Adapt to changing project priorities and requirements while maintaining high-quality scientific output.
• Maintain strong organizational practices in the lab, including proper sample handling, instrument use, and documentation.
• Communicate results, issues, and recommendations clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to analytical methods, laboratory processes, and documentation practices.
• Demonstrate flexibility in work hours, including willingness to arrive early or stay late when project needs require.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in analytical method development, qualification, validation, and transfer.
• Direct experience with analytical method development and validation in support of oligonucleotide synthesis, raw material qualification, and release testing.
• Hands-on experience using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, including HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR, for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Practical experience in oligonucleotide analytical characterization, including testing for identity, purity, and quality attributes.
• Working knowledge of GMP, GDP, FDA, and ISO requirements and their application in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to execute laboratory work with high attention to detail and quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting and presenting scientific work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation issues independently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working within regulated laboratory environments and established quality systems.
• Demonstrated adaptability to changing project priorities and evolving timelines.
• Ability to multi-task and balance competing project demands while maintaining high-quality work.
• Willingness to adjust work schedule, including arriving early or staying late, to support critical project needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented setting.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in analytical methods, documentation, and laboratory practices.

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $36.25 - $45.00/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 San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $36 - $45