Junior Research Scientist

Job Title: Junior Research Scientist – Analytical Development

Job Description

The Junior Research Scientist on the Analytical Development team advances life‑saving therapies by developing and optimizing small molecule drug testing methods for pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners worldwide. This role focuses on designing and executing analytical strategies, developing and validating methods under cGMP, and transferring robust methods to Quality Control to support the release of drug substance batches. The position offers the opportunity to not only perform hands-on analytical chemistry, but also to lead project-based development and method transfer activities that directly impact patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical testing strategies based on customer technical packages and process development synthetic routes to support small molecule drug programs.
• Design, develop, and optimize new analytical methods for small molecule drug substances and intermediates, with a focus on in-process control (IPC) methods in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Assess customer-supplied analytical methods for validation readiness and identify any gaps or improvements needed to meet cGMP and regulatory expectations.
• Execute method validation protocols to support cGMP release of drug substance batches, ensuring methods are accurate, precise, robust, and suitable for their intended use.
• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, UPLC, UV/Vis, pH measurement, spectrophotometry, FTIR, GC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, titrations, and other analytical techniques as required.
• Conduct method transfers from Analytical Development to the Quality Control group, including planning, execution, documentation, and troubleshooting as needed.
• Analyze and interpret complex analytical data, draw sound scientific conclusions, and provide clear recommendations based on data review.
• Author technical reports, validation protocols, method development reports, and related documentation, and review analytical data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Provide analytical technical assistance to Quality Control and Process Chemistry teams, including troubleshooting analytical issues and supporting process development decisions.
• Collaborate closely with customers and internal functional areas to advance projects through development, ensuring timelines and project objectives are met.
• Execute analytical project timelines, monitor progress, and communicate status updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure all work complies with safety, quality, and regulatory policies and applicable government regulations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of analytical methods, laboratory practices, and documentation standards within the Analytical Development team.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on expertise in HPLC for small molecule analysis in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Experience with small molecule in-process control (IPC) method development in a pharma or life sciences environment.
• Strong exp. in analytical chemistry, including method development, method validation, method transfers, data analysis, troubleshooting, documentation, and data review.
• Practical experience with GC, GC-MS, and FTIR for characterization and release testing of small molecule drug substances.
• Ability to develop methods for complex modifications and to draw clear, defensible conclusions from analytical data.
• Proficiency in executing and interpreting method validation studies in support of cGMP release.
• Strong data analysis skills, including critical review of chromatographic and spectral data and identification of trends or anomalies.
• Excellent technical writing skills for authoring protocols, reports, and analytical documentation.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills for working with customers, Quality Control, and Process Chemistry teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience, or
• Master’s degree in Chemistry with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience, or
• PhD in Chemistry with at least 1 year of relevant industry experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ICP-MS for elemental analysis in support of small molecule development programs.
• Familiarity with Chromeleon Chromatography Data Software for method setup, data acquisition, integration, and reporting.
• Experience with advanced characterization of small molecules using a range of analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation issues efficiently.
• Experience working in a cGMP or other regulated laboratory environment.
• Interest in project-based chemistry, including leading development and transfer activities for analytical methods.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of data integrity, quality, and scientific rigor.

Work Environment

This role is based in an Analytical Development laboratory that focuses on advancing life-saving drugs by developing small molecule therapies for emerging pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. The Junior Research Scientist works as part of a dedicated team of approximately six colleagues in Analytical Development and collaborates closely with the Quality Control group and Process Chemistry. The position typically follows a first-shift schedule, with standard hours of either 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The laboratory environment is instrument-intensive, with routine use of HPLC, UPLC, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, pH meters, FTIR, GC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and titration equipment. Work is conducted under cGMP and other applicable regulatory guidelines, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and compliance. The environment supports scientific ownership of projects, offering opportunities to lead analytical development initiatives and method transfers while collaborating in a close-knit, project-driven team setting. Appropriate laboratory attire and adherence to standard lab safety practices are required.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL.

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $43.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Morton Grove,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.