Scientist II

Actalent connects visionary companies with specialized engineering and sciences talent to advance innovation and speed to market.

About the role

As a Scientist II, you will contribute to research and development by independently designing, conducting, and analyzing laboratory experiments in molecular biology and related disciplines. This role applies established and published procedures, technical and theoretical knowledge to generate high-quality experimental data, interpret results, and recommend process improvements. You will document work thoroughly, communicate findings through reports and presentations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to address scientific problems of limited scope and complexity.

Responsibilities

• Work under general supervision to plan, conduct, and monitor laboratory experiments using established and published procedures, applying strong technical and theoretical understanding.
• Assume responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of experimental results, ensuring data integrity throughout all stages of experimentation.
• Identify and recommend solutions to problems encountered during experimental procedures, adjusting methods as needed to achieve project goals.
• Summarize experimental results and review conclusions with the supervisor or project leader, incorporating feedback into subsequent experimental designs.
• Communicate results of experiments in the form of clear written reports and presentations, and keep project stakeholders informed of progress and significant findings.
• Keep the supervisor or project leader informed of project status, particularly highlighting critical problem areas, key results, and potential risks.
• Perform all laboratory work according to established internal safety guidelines and procedures, and in alignment with requirements of relevant external regulatory agencies such as OSHA.
• Analyze experimental data using various data analysis software tools and quantitative methods to draw conclusions and propose process improvements.
• Use technical writing skills to produce well-structured reports, documentation, and summaries of experimental work, and present findings at internal meetings as needed.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely electronic notebook documentation, ensuring that experimental methods, observations, and results are recorded consistently and in accordance with established formats.
• Participate in routine laboratory maintenance activities, including maintaining equipment and supplies, supporting lab safety initiatives, and contributing to ISO and QSR implementation efforts.
• Troubleshoot issues related to laboratory instrumentation and equipment, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions where appropriate.
• Receive general instructions and independently plan and execute daily work, organizing tasks to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Stay informed about trends and developments in the relevant scientific field, and apply new knowledge and techniques to ongoing projects where appropriate.
• Establish and work with individuals or teams outside the immediate functional area or research and development organization to support project objectives and collaborative efforts.
• Apply broad concepts from the relevant field or specialization to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity, and explore alternative approaches to improve existing solutions.
• Analyze alternative experimental and analytical approaches to solve problems or develop new perspectives on current methodologies and processes.
• Act as a lead for assigned projects or teams when requested, coordinating activities, guiding experimental plans, and ensuring that project milestones are met.
• Comfortably discuss experimental failures, lessons learned, and problem-solving approaches with colleagues and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with 5 years of relevant industry experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Hands-on experience working with amino acids in a laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated molecular biology laboratory experience, including relevant techniques and experimental workflows.
• Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR) experience, including setup, execution, and analysis of ddPCR experiments.
• Proficiency with PCR-based methods and associated data analysis.
• Ability to design and execute relevant laboratory experiments that align with overall project goals and direction.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills, including use of data analysis software to interpret experimental results.
• Effective technical writing skills for producing clear, accurate reports and documentation.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific findings through written reports and oral presentations to internal audiences.
• Capability to troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and experimental workflows.
• Comfort discussing failures, lessons learned, and problem-solving strategies in a constructive, professional manner.
• Ability to maintain thorough, accurate, and timely electronic laboratory notebooks according to established formats.
• Commitment to working in compliance with internal safety guidelines and external regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA).

Additional Qualifications

• Experience applying broad scientific concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity.
• Familiarity with ISO and QSR standards and participation in their implementation within a laboratory environment.
• Experience presenting scientific data and conclusions at internal meetings or project reviews.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and individuals outside the immediate functional area.
• Strong organizational skills to plan and execute work with general instructions while meeting project timelines.
• Demonstrated curiosity and commitment to staying current with trends and developments in relevant scientific disciplines.
• A cover letter or professional bio attached to the resume submission.

Work Environment

The role is based in a laboratory environment where you will perform hands-on experimental work using molecular biology and analytical techniques, including ddPCR, PCR, and amino acid-related methods. Work is carried out in accordance with established internal safety procedures and external regulatory standards such as OSHA, with active participation in lab safety initiatives, ISO, and QSR implementation. The position involves routine lab maintenance and instrumentation troubleshooting, as well as regular documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00 per hour.

Benefits

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:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite, contract position based in Pleasanton, CA.