Scientist II

Scientist II, Manufacturing Sciences (Molecular Biology)

Are you passionate about molecular biology and DNA-based diagnostics? We are seeking a Scientist II, Manufacturing Sciences to support the development, improvement, and manufacturing of molecular diagnostic reagents. This is a hands-on laboratory role with opportunities to lead projects, analyze data, and contribute to continuous process improvements in a regulated environment.

What You"ll Do

• Lead and manage multiple projects while meeting timelines and priorities.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot DNA-based diagnostic reagents and processes.
• Design and execute molecular biology experiments and analyze resulting data.
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations and manufacturing workflows.
• Train and mentor junior scientists on laboratory procedures and best practices.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including PCR/qPCR systems, thermal cyclers, genetic analyzers, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Create and maintain SOPs, quality records, and technical documentation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including R&D, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Product Management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and process improvement methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, GDP, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor"s degree in Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum 2 years of professional laboratory experience (industry experience preferred).
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with PCR-based workflows.
• Ability to independently manage projects and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Molecular diagnostics or DNA-based assay development experience.
• Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) experience.
• Data analysis experience in a scientific or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of HLA testing or related technologies.
• Experience working in GMP, GLP, or other regulated environments.
• Previous project leadership or mentoring experience.

Work Environment

• Primarily laboratory-based position.
• Frequent work at laboratory benches, freezers, and computer workstations.
• Occasional handling of blood samples and blood-derived products.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Top Skills

• Molecular Biology
• PCR / qPCR
• Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• DNA Analysis
• Quality Control (QC)
• GMP / GLP Compliance
• SOP Development
• Manufacturing Sciences

If you"re looking for an opportunity to apply your molecular biology expertise while leading impactful projects in a collaborative laboratory environment, we"d love to hear from you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $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 Los Angeles,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.

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.