Scientist, Research Scientist

Position: Scientist I
We are seeking a collaborative, curious, and motivated contractor to join the Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutics group, contributing to parenteral formulation development and drug‑delivery research for programs across our pipeline.

Our team focuses on synthetic molecules and novel modalities-including nucleic acids, peptides, and conjugates-administered through parenteral routes such as intravenous, subcutaneous, intrathecal, and intravitreal delivery. We design formulations, advance innovative drug‑delivery strategies, and develop manufacturing processes that enable these novel therapeutics to reach patients across diverse disease areas.

Responsibilities:

* Independently prepare drug‑product formulations of varying compositions to support pre‑clinical studies and pharmaceutics work packages

* Develop and optimize drug‑product processes for both simple and complex dosage forms, including nanoparticle‑based formulations

* Characterize formulations using a wide range of analytical techniques to assess physicochemical properties, composition, and structure

* Clearly and promptly document experimental work in electronic lab notebooks and presentations

* Analyze experimental data, identify trends and key insights, and propose hypothesis‑driven follow‑up studies

* Collaborate with internal partners and external collaborators to deliver on project goals and share findings

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/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 South San Francisco,CA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 23, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.