Scientist II

Actalent is Hiring a Method Development Chemist!!

Job Description

The Scientist II plays a key role in developing new product formulations and improving existing ones, with a focus on supporting trial runs of new products. This role leads formulation development projects from concept through scale-up, conducts in-process and stability testing, coordinates analytical testing, and supports transfer to full-scale production. The Scientist II also provides technical leadership and mentorship to Development Scientists and Technicians while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop new product formulations and optimize existing formulations to meet customer requirements and improve product performance.
• Research and evaluate new raw materials, incorporating new technology and innovation into product development.
• Perform in-process testing and stability testing to ensure product performance, manufacturability, and stability.
• Coordinate analytical testing and support method development and evaluation of testing procedures.
• Provide regular updates on project progress to leadership and communicate clearly across functional areas.
• Recommend process and formulation efficiencies to the R&D Director to improve product development workflows and departmental performance.
• Act as a technical leader for the manufacture of pilot and qualification batches, including preparing supporting documentation, batch records, and protocols.
• Write validation protocols and assist in validation activities as a technical leader.
• Perform scale-up of production formulations and recommend procedures, product handling methods, and specialized equipment as needed.
• Mentor, coach, and develop Scientists and Technicians, providing guidance and technical support.
• Answer technical questions from staff within and outside the department related to research and development activities.
• Lead process testing to confirm product performance and manufacturability.
• Coordinate and lead the preparation of required documentation for master formulas, blending records, and tableting or filling records.
• Collaborate with appropriate departments on new products and projects to ensure smooth execution and alignment.
• Oversee the establishment of raw material and product specifications in cooperation with the Quality department.
• Write protocols and summary reports for development activities and maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Prepare and review paper formulas for initial cost estimates based on customer requests.
• Work with Client Services to provide formulation samples to customers and perform appropriate technical follow-up.
• Investigate production issues related to formulation, blending, and tableting, and recommend solutions.
• Maintain accurate, legible, and complete laboratory notebook records and documentation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Background in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, nutraceutical, or diet product industries.
• Analytical Scientist or Chemist Background with experience in testing method development and evaluating procedures.
• Preferably 5 years of experience in a product development role within a dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or dry food manufacturing company.
• Preferably 3 years of development experience with powders or solid dosage forms; effervescent product experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of scientific development principles and terminology.
• Knowledge of CFR Title 21, Part 111 and NSF regulations.
• Solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and FDA regulations.
• Ability to think creatively and apply new technology and innovation to product development.
• Strong problem recognition skills and ability to establish and execute plans to solve technical issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to build and maintain working relationships across functional areas.
• Ability to maintain accurate, legible, and complete documentation in a regulated environment.
• Computer proficiency with working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or dry food product development environments.
• Hands-on experience with powders and solid dosage forms, including effervescent formulations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical activities such as pilot and qualification batch manufacturing, validation support, and scale-up.
• Experience collaborating with Quality, Client Services, and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to mentor and coach junior scientists and technicians.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, documentation, and timelines.
• Comfort working directly with vendors and clients in a technical capacity.

Work Environment

This role operates in a laboratory and production-support environment within a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Scientist II works as part of a small team of approximately 4-5 scientists and collaborates closely with Quality Control Chemists, vendors, and clients, including regular technical communication and coordination. The environment emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, accurate documentation, adherence to GMP and regulatory standards, and active involvement in new product development and scale-up activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Largo, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $48.07/hr.

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 Largo,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.