Senior Scientist (Downstream Purification)

Actalent is seeking a Scientist to support the development and application of membrane-based chromatography products for downstream purification, generating high-quality application data and customer-ready solutions.

About the role

This role independently designs and executes complex experimental plans, develops and optimizes analytical methods for biomolecule characterization, and translates scientific insights into practical workflows and protocols. The Scientist acts as a technical subject matter expert, partnering closely with R&D, product development, manufacturing, and commercial teams to enable technology transfer, product adoption, and customer success. The position also provides technical leadership by mentoring junior scientists, developing SOPs and technical documentation, and representing the organization through technical presentations, conferences, and direct customer engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to application development projects focused on downstream purification and membrane-based chromatography technologies.
• Design, plan, and execute independent experimental programs to generate high-quality, application-relevant data for membrane chromatography products.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets to assess product performance, define application fit, and inform technical positioning.
• Develop application workflows, protocols, and technical content that support product adoption and effective use by customers.
• Develop, optimize, and implement robust analytical methods using HPLC, UPLC, fragment analyzers, gel-based assays, and related techniques for bioprocess and biomolecule characterization.
• Provide training and technical guidance to team members on analytical methods, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Proactively generate and execute study plans to address technical and development concerns through innovative characterization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new processes and products in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Continuously review scientific literature and leverage internally generated data to generate new scientific insights, and effectively share knowledge and learnings with the team.
• Partner closely with R&D, Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales to enable smooth technology transfer and drive customer success.
• Interface directly with customers to provide technical insights on product use, deliver application-level support, and respond to customer inquiries.
• Lead and support technical presentations, application notes, and conference or customer engagements, acting as a technical representative for the organization.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and other team members, fostering their development and growth.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and detailed experimental documentation, technical reports, and records of project activities.
• Travel periodically to support conferences, trade shows, cross-site collaboration, and customer or partner engagements.

Requirements

• PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline, with significant industry experience in biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong experience in downstream processing, chromatography, purification, or bioprocessing applications.
• Hands-on experience developing, validating, and applying analytical methods using HPLC and UPLC in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with chromatography systems such as ÄKTA or FPLC platforms.
• Experience using fragment analyzers and gel-based techniques for biomolecule characterization.
• Direct customer-facing experience providing technical guidance, application support, and product recommendations.
• Proven ability to independently lead scientific projects from design through execution and to drive results.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and develop junior team members through hands-on technical guidance.
• Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to conduct data-driven root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Excellent documentation skills for maintaining accurate experimental records, reports, and technical content.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence and willingness to give technical presentations internally and externally.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a regulated or product-driven environment.
• High level of self-motivation, attention to detail, and effectiveness in a fast-paced, team-based laboratory environment.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.
• Ability to positively influence and collaborate with others without direct line authority.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with approximately 3–4 years of industry experience or PhD with approximately 1–2 years of industry experience in a relevant field, ideally within biopharma.
• Industry experience in biopharmaceutical development or manufacturing, particularly with protein purification.
• Experience with Empower software for HPLC data acquisition and analysis.
• Secondary hands-on skills in running and interpreting gel-based assays.
• Comfort and enthusiasm for engaging with customers and serving as a technical point of contact.
• Ability to integrate effectively into a small, collaborative team environment and contribute beyond narrow scientific tasks.
• Experience preparing and delivering application notes, technical collateral, and conference presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills that support effective collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced, team-oriented laboratory and product-development environment focused on membrane-based chromatography and downstream bioprocessing applications. You will work daily with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC and UPLC systems, fragment analyzers, and gel-based assay platforms, as well as chromatography systems including ÄKTA or FPLC. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional partners in R&D, product development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales, and includes regular interaction with customers to provide technical support and application guidance. Work is primarily conducted on-site in the lab and office, with periodic travel to conferences, trade shows, other company sites, and customer or partner locations. The culture emphasizes scientific rigor, clear documentation, proactive problem solving, and open communication, while supporting flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and project timelines. Appropriate laboratory attire and adherence to standard lab safety practices are expected.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $48.00/hr.

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 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)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Greenville, SC.