Instrumentation Specialist

Job Title: Instrumentation SpecialistJob Description

The Instrumentation Specialist supports a major laboratory connectivity initiative by integrating MSAT laboratory instruments with computer and network infrastructure. This role focuses on improving instrument data flow, ensuring reliable connectivity, and helping to establish scalable, sustainable processes for managing connected laboratory systems. The position offers the opportunity to work hands-on with a wide range of instruments, collaborate closely with scientists and Digital/IT teams, and shape procedures and processes that enhance automation, data management, and overall MSAT operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the connection and configuration of laboratory instrumentation across the MSAT organization.
• Work hands-on with instruments such as pH meters, ÄKTA systems, HPLC, bioreactors, GC, titration equipment, and other process development and MSAT laboratory instruments.
• Configure instruments to communicate effectively with computers and network infrastructure.
• Partner with Digital and IT teams to design and implement network connections and instrument-to-computer communication pathways.
• Work directly with instrument manufacturers and equipment vendors to troubleshoot issues and establish robust connectivity.
• Understand and help define how instrument data is generated, transferred, stored, and backed up within laboratory and digital systems.
• Support data integrity initiatives by contributing to the development and implementation of appropriate data backup processes and scripts.
• Partner with scientists to understand current instrument usage and identify opportunities to streamline and improve laboratory workflows.
• Develop, document, and maintain procedures related to instrumentation, connectivity, and ongoing program support.
• Interface with preventive maintenance and calibration activities as they relate to laboratory instrumentation to ensure connected systems remain reliable and compliant.
• Help create and refine a scalable, sustainable instrumentation connectivity program for the laboratory.
• Take ownership of connectivity and instrumentation issues, drive troubleshooting efforts, and coordinate across vendors, scientists, and Digital/IT teams to resolve problems.
• Contribute to a highly visible laboratory connectivity initiative and support the transition of MSAT instrumentation to a more connected and sustainable infrastructure.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on laboratory instrumentation experience in an MSAT, Process Development, QC, R&D, or similar laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with laboratory equipment, including configuring, installing, and troubleshooting instruments such as pH meters, ÄKTA systems, HPLC, cell culture systems, bioreactors, GC, and titration equipment.
• Fundamental understanding of networking concepts, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IP and network connectivity, USB, and file transfer.
• Experience connecting instruments to computers and networks and explaining how instrument data is generated, transferred, and stored.
• Proven experience with instrument-to-computer communication and data flow within laboratory and digital systems.
• Experience partnering with instrument and equipment vendors to bring instruments online and resolve connectivity issues.
• Experience collaborating with laboratory scientists and Digital/IT teams to address technical and connectivity challenges.
• Strong technical troubleshooting ability and willingness to take ownership of issues from identification through resolution.
• Demonstrated initiative and curiosity, particularly in environments where processes and programs are still being built.
• Ability to develop and maintain procedures related to instrumentation, connectivity, and ongoing program support.
• Understanding of data integrity concepts and support for developing backup processes and scripts.
• Ability to interface with preventive maintenance and calibration activities for connected laboratory instruments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in MSAT, Process Development, QC, R&D, or similar laboratory settings supporting complex instrumentation.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation and data management workflows.
• Experience working on cross-functional initiatives that involve laboratory operations, digital systems, and infrastructure.
• Comfort working in a highly visible program that influences laboratory connectivity strategy and infrastructure.
• Ability to help shape and refine procedures and processes in a growing or evolving program.
• Interest in transitioning into a long-term colleague role as the program and justification are established.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory-focused environment supporting MSAT operations and a broad range of scientific instrumentation. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule on first shift, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for a 40-hour work week, with overtime as needed based on business requirements. The work involves frequent interaction with laboratory scientists, Digital and IT professionals, and equipment vendors, and includes hands-on work with instruments and computer/network infrastructure. The environment emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and building scalable, sustainable connectivity solutions that enhance laboratory automation and data management.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sanford,NC.

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.