Sr Associate | Chemistry Grads

About the role

This fully onsite Senior Associate role in the Pivotal Attribute Sciences group focuses on providing cutting-edge analytical support and technology development for process and product development teams. The position is largely laboratory-based and plays a critical role in enabling efficient development and scalable understanding of processes and products across a diverse pipeline. You will collaborate cross-functionally and across multiple Process Development sites, using advanced analytical science to support both GMP and non-GMP activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex analytical testing in a laboratory setting to support process development, scale-up activities, and formulation development.
• Carry out sample analysis using HPLC, UPLC, dissolution testing, Karl Fischer (KF) titration, and other wet chemistry techniques.
• Apply chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV, Raman, and NIR to characterize small molecules and peptides.
• Support method development and optimization for analytical procedures to ensure robust and reliable testing.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation of all experimental work using electronic systems and laboratory notebooks.
• Operate specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation safely and effectively in both GMP and non-GMP environments.
• Complete required training on assigned tasks and maintain up-to-date training records in accordance with site procedures.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures, including the maintenance of laboratory documentation, written procedures, building monitoring systems, and laboratory log books.
• Work independently under minimal direction while consistently producing high-quality results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional process and product development teams to interpret analytical data and support decision-making.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment while meeting project timelines.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience performing analytical testing.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC-based analysis, including method execution and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in dissolution testing, Karl Fischer (KF) titration, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and laboratory notebooks.
• Ability to work independently and produce quality results under minimal direction.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to laboratory procedures and safety guidelines.
• Capability to operate specialized laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical research experience in small molecule and peptide analysis.
• Experience supporting process development, scale-up activities, and formulation development in both GMP and non-GMP environments.
• Experience with chromatographic techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, LC, GC, and LC-MS or GC-MS.
• Experience with spectroscopic techniques including FTIR, UV, Raman, and NIR.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High energy, proactive mindset, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting results and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite at a laboratory-based facility, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. You will work primarily in an analytical laboratory that uses advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic instrumentation, including HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, dissolution apparatus, Karl Fischer titrators, pH meters, FTIR, UV, Raman, and NIR systems. The environment follows strict safety guidelines and site-specific procedures, with an emphasis on maintaining accurate training records, laboratory documentation, written procedures, building monitoring systems, and laboratory log books. The work setting is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring frequent interaction with cross-functional process and product development teams. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required to ensure safe operation of equipment and handling of materials.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Thousand Oaks, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/hr.

Requirements

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)

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. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.