Purification Scientist

Job Title: Purification Scientist

Job Description

The Purification Scientist supports a DNA/RNA purification manufacturing team focused on plasmid and vector processing. In this role, you execute established workflows to produce purified DNA while following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintaining accurate, real-time documentation. You work in a highly process-driven, fast-paced environment and contribute directly to manufacturing operations and production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform agar plating, colony selection, and culture growth to support plasmid and vector production.
• Execute plasmid and vector purification workflows according to established protocols.
• Conduct DNA dilutions and prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions required for purification processes.
• Handle DNA and RNA materials safely and accurately throughout the manufacturing process.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) consistently and precisely for all laboratory and manufacturing activities.
• Maintain accurate, real-time documentation of all work performed, including batch records and related manufacturing documentation.
• Support general manufacturing operations and production workflows as needed to meet output and quality targets.
• Collaborate closely with team members to ensure smooth handoffs, efficient workflow, and adherence to production schedules.
• Apply strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality, repeatable results in a structured manufacturing environment.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement activities to enhance processes and maintain best practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA handling, plasmids, and PCR.
• Direct experience working with DNA in a lab environment, such as purification, plasmid workflows, vector workflows, or similar processes.
• Demonstrated ability to follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Strong documentation skills with a good documentation practice (GDP) mindset and comfort documenting work in real time.
• Experience with plasmid purification and vector purification workflows.
• Familiarity with cell culture techniques in support of plasmid or vector production.
• Understanding of GMP or GMP-like manufacturing environments and batch record practices.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a process-driven environment.
• Ability to work comfortably with hands-on lab work and routine, repeatable processes.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills in a collaborative environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in building a career in biotech GMP manufacturing and DNA/RNA purification.
• Comfort working in a structured, highly repeatable manufacturing environment.
• Ability to learn new workflows quickly through a structured training plan.
• Strong time management skills to operate effectively in a fast-paced, production-based setting.
• Motivation to contribute to a collaborative, tight-knit team environment.
• High level of personal accountability and ownership for quality and compliance.

This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/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 Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 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 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.