Senior Research Associate - Pilot Lab (Scale-up / Pilot Operations)

Research Associate - Pilot Lab (Scale-up / Pilot Operations)

Job Description

We are seeking a Scientist I – Pilot Lab to support pilot-scale execution and process scale-up activities for biologic drug substance programs. This role will be part of a technical operations team responsible for executing upstream and downstream processes to support preclinical and early-stage development efforts. The position is highly hands-on and execution-focused, requiring comfort working with single-use equipment, pilot-scale bioreactors, and downstream unit operations. Candidates with experience in either upstream or downstream processing are encouraged to apply; exposure to both is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Execute pilot-scale upstream and/or downstream processes to support scale-up activities.
• Prepare pilot-scale buffers, media, and feeds.
• Perform lab stocking, equipment setup, and parts sanitization.
• Calibrate and maintain pH and conductivity meters and other routine lab equipment.
• Support bioreactor operations, including sampling and feeding.
• Perform column packing/unpacking and chromatography step execution.
• Execute normal-flow filtration (NFF) and tangential flow filtration (TFF); high-concentration TFF experience is a plus.
• Collect, label, and submit samples for analytical testing.
• Document work in compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including upstream, downstream, analytical, and pilot teams to manage multiple activities in parallel.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or PhD with relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
• Hands-on pilot-scale bioprocess execution using single-use equipment.
• Ability to independently operate and support upstream and/or downstream unit operations such as bioreactors, chromatography, and filtration (including NFF and TFF).
• Comfortable preparing pilot-scale buffers, media, and feeds; setting up and sanitizing equipment; calibrating pH and conductivity meters; and collecting and handling samples for analytical testing.
• Strong Good Documentation Practices.
• Ability to multitask in a dynamic pilot environment.
• Collaborative, execution-focused mindset.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with single-use bioprocess equipment (e.g., XDR bioreactors, AKTA Ready systems, aseptic connectors, tubing welders).
• Pilot-scale bioreactor or downstream process execution experience.
• Exposure to both upstream and downstream operations.
• Strong understanding of bioprocess fundamentals and lab execution.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues in real time.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, hands-on pilot environment.

Work Environment

The work environment is dynamic and hands-on, focusing on pilot-scale bioprocess execution using advanced single-use equipment. Team members will work in close collaboration with cross-functional teams and should be comfortable with multitasking in a fast-paced setting. The environment encourages a collaborative and execution-focused mindset, ensuring that all processes are well-documented in compliance with Good Documentation Practices

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

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 10, 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.