Senior Scientist

Job Title: Senior Scientist / Senior Engineer – Downstream Bioprocess Development

Job Description

This role focuses on leading downstream bioprocess application development to advance a novel affinity-based purification technology for complex biologics. The Senior Scientist / Senior Engineer operates as a seasoned individual contributor who independently drives moderately complex development efforts, applies strong scientific judgment, and collaborates across functions to translate experimental insights into robust, scalable, and customer-relevant downstream solutions.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, analyze, and interpret downstream bioprocess development experiments for complex biologics.
• Lead and manage moderately complex downstream process development workstreams, including detailed planning, hands-on execution, documentation, and reporting of results.
• Develop and optimize tangential flow filtration (TFF) processes, including hollow fiber systems, with careful evaluation of flux, transmembrane pressure (TMP), shear, concentration factor, and mass transfer trade-offs.
• Apply data-driven decision making and statistical analysis to recommend process improvements and contribute to overall product development strategy.
• Troubleshoot downstream process challenges using sound scientific principles, structured experimentation, and rigorous data interpretation.
• Support process scale-up, including translation of bench-scale processes to larger scales while maintaining product quality and process robustness.
• Contribute to technology transfer and knowledge transfer activities, including risk assessments, preparation of technical documentation, and coordination with receiving teams.
• Execute customer-specific application optimization projects and adapt platform workflows to meet diverse user needs and process requirements.
• Integrate capture, filtration, and polishing steps to execute end-to-end downstream workflows that are robust and scalable.
• Communicate technical data, experimental conclusions, and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and continuous improvement across downstream unit operations and workflows.
• Provide informal technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members, sharing best practices in downstream development and TFF optimization.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to efficiently screen parameters, identify critical process variables, and define optimized operating spaces.
• Use statistical and multivariate data analysis to support defensible process development decisions and technical support activities.

Essential Skills

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5 years of industry experience in bioprocess or process development.
• Hands-on experience with downstream bioprocess development and scale-up for complex biologics.
• Strong expertise in tangential flow filtration (TFF) process development, preferably with hollow fiber systems.
• Experience working with viral vectors, with a strong preference for lentiviral downstream processing and purification.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize downstream unit operations with a focus on robustness, scalability, and data-driven decision making.
• Experience executing end-to-end downstream workflows, including integration of capture, filtration, and polishing steps.
• Working knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and data-driven process optimization approaches.
• Ability to apply statistical and multivariate data analysis to support process development decisions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with microfiltration-based TFF or filtration-driven capture strategies.
• Exposure to Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) and/or manufacturing technology transfer, including cross-functional coordination.
• Experience with biomaterial, particle, or aggregate characterization, such as size distribution and morphology.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities across both platform and application-specific development projects.
• Experience spanning both Research and Development (R&D) and Process Development functions.
• Prior experience in platform technology development within a startup or high-growth environment.
• Exposure to process characterization and validation-related activities.
• Interest in long-term engagement, supported by a long-term contract opportunity.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site and follows standard business hours, providing a stable and predictable schedule in a fast-paced life sciences setting. You will work in a laboratory and process development environment focused on downstream bioprocessing, including tangential flow filtration systems, hollow fiber modules, and integrated capture, filtration, and polishing operations. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams while maintaining a hands-on presence at the bench and in the lab, supporting both platform development and customer-specific applications within a dynamic, growth-oriented organization.

This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $53.00/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 Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on May 17, 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 : $43 - $53