Senior Scientist

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement robust analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, mass spectrometry, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Execute and support method development for compound identification, purity assessment, and potency analysis.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with development, quality control, and process support teams to troubleshoot analytical issues and provide technical guidance.
• Interpret analytical data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and document results in technical reports and laboratory notebooks.
• Ensure strict compliance with GMP, SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements, including DEA guidelines.
• Transfer validated analytical methods to Quality Control and Process Support teams, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and documentation.
• Qualify and maintain reference standards, ensuring accurate calibration, traceability, and documentation.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, data integrity, and document control practices in accordance with GMP standards.
• Lead investigations related to analytical issues, deviations, or out-of-specification results and maintain timelines for key activities.
• Author and review technical documents, including reports and protocols, with a high level of accuracy and minimal errors.
• Draft new standard operating procedures (SOPs) with guidance as needed to support laboratory operations and compliance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, data quality, and analytical capabilities.
• Support additional laboratory activities as required to meet project timelines and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in analytical method development and validation for raw materials, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Hands-on expertise with HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, and mass spectrometry in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Strong experience in analytical chemistry with the ability to apply fundamental principles to complex testing and data interpretation.
• Experience in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and analytical development within a CDMO or CRO environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance with GMP regulations and DEA requirements in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with document control and data integrity within a GMP-compliant environment.
• Proficiency in assay development, method validation, and routine laboratory operations.
• PhD in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, OR MS in Chemistry with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, OR BS in Chemistry with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to lead analytical investigations and manage timelines for key project activities.
• Ability to author and review technical documents, such as protocols, reports, and summaries, with minimal errors.
• Capability to draft new SOPs with appropriate guidance and alignment to regulatory and quality requirements.
• Good understanding of cross-functional principles, including organic chemistry and engineering, to effectively support interdisciplinary projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, MS in Chemistry with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, Or BS in Chemistry with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Familiarity with Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Development and associated analytical requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex analytical and instrumentation issues.
• Effective collaboration skills to work closely with development, QC, and engineering teams.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality and documentation.
• Interest in career growth with a clear pathway toward a Principal Scientist role.

Work Environment

• Operates in a GMP-regulated analytical laboratory that supports pharmaceutical development and manufacturing activities.
• Involve regular use of advanced instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, and mass spectrometry, as well as routine handling of reference standards and regulated materials.
• Based on a standard 40-hour work week, with some required overtime to meet project deadlines and regulatory commitments.
• The environment emphasizes strict adherence to SOPs, DEA guidelines, and data integrity practices, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates closely across development, quality control, and engineering functions, working in a professional setting that supports technical excellence and career advancement.

Job Type & Location

• This is a Permanent position based out of Charles City, IA.

Pay And Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $99874.00 - $106708.00/yr.

Workplace Type

• This is a fully onsite position in Charles City,IA.

Application Deadline

• This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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.