Analytical Scientist I

Job Title: Analytical Scientist IJob Description

The Analytical Scientist I drives analytical method development and improvement to support active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development programs in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. This role involves hands-on work with analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC, as well as the handling, analysis, and characterization of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and related organic molecules. The Analytical Scientist I independently performs data analysis, drafts technical reports, and executes method qualification and validation protocols in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines, contributing directly to the development of robust analytical methods for drug substances.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of non-routine analytical experiments under supervision, using appropriate scientific and analytical techniques.
• Analyze experimental data and results accurately, interpret outcomes, and propose appropriate follow-up experiments with guidance from supervisors.
• Apply basic scientific principles, theories, and concepts to solve analytical problems related to drug substances in alignment with relevant SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform literature searches, review scientific publications, and extract relevant information from published protocols and journals to support method development and problem solving.
• Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of analytical equipment, including HPLC and GC systems, with supervision.
• Manage various aspects of analytical projects under supervision, ensuring tasks progress according to project timelines and quality expectations.
• Provide project-related updates to internal stakeholders and, as needed, to external customers, ensuring clear and timely communication of progress and issues.
• Draft project documentation of basic complexity, including analytical test methods, development reports, method qualification protocols, and validation protocols, with input from a supervisor.
• Support the coordination of activities at contract chemical and analytical laboratories, including sharing methods, data, and requirements, as needed.
• Ensure timely completion of required training and maintain full compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and all other relevant company training requirements.
• Access, use, and safeguard sensitive, valuable, or critical proprietary information in a reliable and secure manner, following company information security policies.
• Carry out day-to-day functions, duties, and tasks in a way that upholds information security and protects confidential data.
• Contribute to a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement within the analytical function and the broader organization.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), including strong analytical experience in HPLC methods.
• Hands-on experience with Gas Chromatography (GC), including strong analytical experience in GC methods.
• Minimum of 4+ years of previous pharmaceutical experience working in a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) environment.
• Demonstrated experience in analytical method development for LC and/or GC in a GMP setting.
• Demonstrated experience in analytical method validation and method qualification in a GMP environment.
• Proven ability to develop, qualify, and report analytical methods for LC and/or GC within a regulated pharmaceutical setting.
• Ability to handle, analyze, and characterize chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and related organic molecules safely and accurately.
• Capability to apply scientific principles, theories, and concepts to research problems and analytical challenges related to drug substances.
• Competence in data analysis, interpretation of experimental results, and preparation of technical conclusions.
• Ability to perform literature searches and extract relevant information from scientific journals and published protocols.
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and regulatory expectations for analytical methods in pharmaceutical development.
• Strong written communication skills for drafting analytical methods, development reports, and protocols.
• Basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance skills for analytical instruments such as HPLC and GC.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks or aspects of analytical projects under supervision while meeting deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience drafting analytical development reports, method qualification protocols, and validation protocols with minimal supervision.
• Experience independently performing and reviewing data analysis and drafting reports for analytical method development and validation.
• Exposure to working with contract chemical and analytical laboratories and coordinating outsourced analytical activities.
• Familiarity with information security practices related to handling proprietary and sensitive scientific data.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to documentation accuracy and data integrity.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Interest in working within a growing API manufacturing organization and contributing to the expansion of onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Comfort working in a small manufacturing facility and adapting to a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This role is fully on site at a small manufacturing facility in Cary, North Carolina, focused on API manufacturing for pharmaceutical clients at various stages of development. The work environment is fast-paced and growth-oriented, with significant expansion anticipated as onshore API manufacturing increases in the coming years. The position is laboratory-based, involving regular use of analytical technologies such as HPLC and GC, along with other standard analytical equipment used for testing and characterizing drug substances. Work is performed under cGMP conditions and in alignment with established SOPs and regulatory guidelines, emphasizing quality, safety, and data integrity. The setting encourages close collaboration with colleagues across development and manufacturing functions, providing opportunities to engage directly with internal teams and, when needed, with external partners and contract laboratories.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cary,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.