Scientist

Job Title: Plasmids Scientist I
Job Description

The Plasmids Scientist I supports all aspects of GMP production within a clinical manufacturing environment, focusing on cell-based manufacturing in a highly regulated setting. This role provides hands-on support for day-to-day plasmid core production operations, including execution of production processes, documentation, and facility and equipment maintenance. The Plasmids Scientist I helps ensure that biological products are manufactured in a timely, compliant, and cost-conscious manner by following established batch records and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This is not a research-focused position; it is a production-oriented role in a GMP environment with strong opportunities for growth in cell and gene therapy.

Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day plasmid core production operations in a GMP clinical manufacturing environment, following batch records and SOPs for biological product manufacturing.
• Support all aspects of GMP production, including preparation, execution, and completion of manufacturing runs for cell-based and plasmid-related processes.
• Order and maintain materials and consumables to support plasmid production, ensuring appropriate inventory levels to meet production goals.
• Ensure all materials used in GMP manufacturing are available with proper documentation and traceability in alignment with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Collaborate closely with plasmids leadership to identify, implement, and track continuous improvement initiatives using metrics and other statistical tools.
• Operate facility equipment and systems according to SOPs, including setup, routine use, cleaning, calibration, and validation activities.
• Perform routine facility and equipment maintenance to support a reliable and compliant manufacturing operation.
• Assist in the review, revision, and remediation of process documentation, including batch records, SOPs, and related controlled documents.
• Support process change controls by contributing technical input and ensuring documentation accurately reflects process updates.
• Complete required GMP documentation accurately, legibly, and in a timely manner, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulatory expectations.
• Prepare for upcoming production steps by organizing materials, documentation, and equipment, and by supporting scheduling and workflow planning.
• Apply aseptic technique and good cell culture practices while working in clean rooms and controlled environments.
• Contribute to a team-oriented culture by collaborating with colleagues across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Support training and knowledge sharing within the team, and, where applicable, assist in leading small projects or workstreams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Life Science field (such as Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline).
• Experience working in a regulated environment such as drug compounding, drug manufacturing, food manufacturing, or other FDA-regulated GMP or GLP settings (preferred but strongly valued).
• Foundational knowledge of GMP principles and documentation practices in manufacturing or laboratory environments.
• Prior cell-based experience with mammalian or eukaryotic cell culture (preferred).
• Knowledge and understanding of aseptic technique, including working in clean rooms and controlled environments.
• Experience or coursework in cell culture and tissue culture techniques.
• Familiarity with liquid separation techniques used in biological manufacturing or laboratory workflows.
• Exposure to or understanding of core biology and microbiology concepts relevant to cell-based manufacturing.
• Basic laboratory skills in areas such as cell biology, molecular biology, and common analytical assays (e.g., ELISA).
• Demonstrated long-term interest and desire to develop a career in cell and gene therapy.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs, batch records, and written procedures with strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Comfort with physically demanding work, including standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 30 lbs.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in GMP or GLP environments within drug manufacturing, drug compounding, or food manufacturing regulated by the FDA.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian or eukaryotic cell culture in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Understanding of tissue culture workflows and good aseptic practices in a clean room or biosafety cabinet.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques and immunoassays such as ELISA.
• Experience operating, cleaning, calibrating, and validating laboratory or manufacturing equipment according to SOPs.
• Experience leading projects, coordinating workstreams, or mentoring others in a laboratory or manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Interest in contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, including using metrics and basic statistical approaches to improve processes.
• Ability to adapt to a start-up style environment with evolving processes and growing teams.
• Willingness to work extended hours, rotating weekends, and respond to changing production needs with short notice.

Work Environment

This role is based in a relatively new, state-of-the-art clinical manufacturing facility that operates in a GMP-regulated environment with a strong focus on cell-based manufacturing and plasmid production. The culture is highly team-oriented, collaborative, and growth-focused, with a diverse group of professionals who are passionate about advancing cell and gene therapy. Approximately 50–75% of the work takes place in the laboratory and clean rooms, where staff apply aseptic techniques and follow strict gowning procedures. The remaining time is dedicated to documentation, preparation for upcoming production steps, and supporting operational planning. Team members spend much of the day on their feet and work with a variety of laboratory and manufacturing equipment that requires careful cleaning, calibration, and validation.The general schedule follows a first-shift, Monday through Friday structure, typically around 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, the role regularly requires long days of 10–12 hours, frequent 50+ hour weeks, and openness to rotating weekend work and short-notice schedule changes to meet production demands. The environment combines the fast pace and flexibility of a start-up phase with the stability and resources of a well-supported operation.Dress code consists of casual lab attire, including closed-toe shoes, socks that cover the ankles, khaki pants or jeans without holes, and shirts without large graphics. Additional gowning and personal protective equipment are required when working in clean rooms and other controlled areas to maintain compliance and product quality.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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.

gmp compliance, plasmid production, cell culture, sop adherence, aseptic technique, tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, elisa, liquid separation techniques, equipment calibration, equipment validation, batch record documentation, continuous improvement, statistical analysis, inventory management, facility maintenance, project coordination, training others, Senior Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Senior Staff Scientist, Principal Research Scientist, Research Scientist, Principal Scientist, Associate Scientist, Research Associate - Biology II, Research Scientist & Data Analyst, Imaging Scientist