Senior Research Scientist

Job Title: Senior Research Scientist – Analytical Development

Job Description

The Senior Research Scientist on the Analytical Development team plays a key role in advancing life-saving therapies by developing and optimizing small molecule drug methods for emerging pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations worldwide. This role focuses on designing and executing analytical testing strategies, developing and validating methods under cGMP, and transferring robust methods to Quality Control, while leading projects that directly support the release and control of drug substance batches.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive analytical testing strategies based on customer technical packages and process development synthetic routes.
• Design, develop, and optimize new analytical methods for small molecule drug substances and intermediates.
• Assess customer-supplied analytical methods for validation readiness and identify any gaps or improvements needed.
• Execute method validation protocols to support cGMP release of drug substance batches and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, UPLC, UV/Vis, pH measurements, spectrophotometry, FTIR, GC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, titrations, and other techniques as required.
• Lead and manage analytical development projects, including method development, method validation, and method transfers to the Quality Control group.
• Execute analytical project timelines and ensure successful transfer of methods and associated documentation to QC.
• Review and interpret analytical data, draw clear scientific conclusions, and troubleshoot methods and instruments as needed.
• Author detailed technical reports, protocols, and summaries, and perform critical review of analytical data and documentation.
• Collaborate closely with customers and internal functional areas, including QC and Process Chemistry, to advance projects through development.
• Provide analytical technical assistance and scientific guidance to QC and Process Chemistry teams to support process control and in-process testing.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory policies and government regulations.
• Contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, continuous improvement, and project-based innovation in analytical chemistry.

Essential Skills

• Extensive hands-on experience with HPLC in a pharmaceutical or life sciences environment.
• Demonstrated experience with small molecule in-process control (IPC) method development in the pharma or life sciences industry.
• Strong exp. in analytical chemistry, including method development, method validation, and method transfers.
• Proficiency with chromatographic techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, and GC.
• Experience with GC-MS and FTIR for characterization and release testing.
• Ability to perform data analysis, interpret complex data sets, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Proven troubleshooting skills for analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Experience with documentation, including authoring and reviewing protocols, reports, and data packages.
• Experience in data review for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with cGMP expectations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with 7–10 years of relevant experience in analytical chemistry, OR
• Master’s degree in Chemistry with at least 4 years of relevant experience, OR
• PhD in Chemistry with at least 3 years of relevant experience in analytical method development and validation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ICP-MS for trace metal analysis.
• Familiarity with Chromeleon Chromatography Data Software for data acquisition, processing, and reporting.
• Experience with impurity or structural characterization of small molecules.
• Experience working in a cGMP or regulated laboratory environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external customers.
• Ability to lead projects, manage timelines, and coordinate method transfers to QC.
• Interest in project-based chemistry and in developing innovative test methods for life-saving drugs.

Work Environment

This position is based in an Analytical Development laboratory that focuses on advancing life-saving drugs by developing small molecule therapies for emerging pharmaceutical and biotech organizations worldwide. You will work as part of a small, collaborative team of approximately six scientists, closely interfacing with Analytical Development and Quality Control leadership. The role is laboratory-based, using a broad range of analytical technologies including HPLC, UPLC, UV/Vis, pH meters, spectrophotometers, FTIR, GC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, titration systems, and chromatography data software such as Chromeleon. Standard first-shift hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a stable daytime schedule. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and scientific rigor, while offering the opportunity to lead impactful, project-based work on the development and transfer of analytical methods for critical small molecule drug substances.

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

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $52.00/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.