Scientist I, Cell Culture

Scientist I, Cell Culture

Position Summary

We are seeking a Scientist I, Cell Culture to join our biomanufacturing team and support the production of cellular-based products in a BSL-2 laboratory environment . This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with hands-on cell culture experience who is looking to grow within a collaborative, production-focused biotechnology setting. In this role, you will perform mammalian and insect cell culture, prepare media and laboratory solutions, support production activities ranging from shake-flask cultures to bioreactors, and maintain accurate manufacturing documentation. Successful candidates are detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about developing expertise in cell culture and bioprocessing.

Key Responsibilities

- Maintain, expand, and monitor mammalian and insect cell lines using aseptic technique.
- Prepare media, buffers, and laboratory solutions according to established protocols.
- Perform routine cell culture activities, including flask-based culture, cell passaging, expansion, and harvesting.
- Support small-scale shake-flask production and larger-scale bioreactor operations following training.
- Conduct cell-based assays and support manufacturing and development activities.
- Work within biosafety cabinets while adhering to contamination-control and laboratory safety requirements.
- Operate laboratory equipment, including pumps, filtration systems, and associated production equipment.
- Complete batch records, laboratory notebooks, work orders, and manufacturing documentation accurately and on time.
- Monitor culture performance and production runs, documenting observations and reporting abnormalities.
- Assist with troubleshooting activities, process improvements, and updates to SOPs and manufacturing records.
- Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment, and operational readiness.
- Collaborate with scientists and manufacturing personnel to meet production timelines and quality standards.
- Follow all BSL-2, chemical safety, and compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related Life Sciences discipline .
- Hands-on cell culture experience beyond standard classroom laboratory coursework.
- Experience maintaining and handling mammalian and/or insect cell lines.
- Experience working in a biosafety cabinet using proper aseptic techniques.
- Strong understanding of contamination prevention and sterile laboratory practices.
- Ability to follow detailed SOPs and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Ability to work independently following training and contribute effectively within a collaborative team.

Preferred Qualifications

- 1+ year of laboratory experience through industry roles, internships, co-ops, research assistantships, or extensive undergraduate research.
- Experience with both mammalian and insect cell culture systems.
- Media and solution preparation experience.
- Exposure to antibody production, bioprocessing, or biotechnology manufacturing environments.
- Experience with bioreactor operations, filtration systems, or production-scale cell culture.
- Familiarity with GMP-like documentation practices, batch records, and SOP compliance.
- Experience working in a BSL-2 environment.

Technical Skills

- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Insect Cell Culture
- Aseptic Technique
- Biosafety Cabinet Operations
- Cell Line Maintenance
- Cell Expansion & Harvesting
- Media Preparation
- Shake Flask Cultures
- Bioreactor Production
- Laboratory Documentation
- Batch Record Management
- SOP Compliance
- Filtration Systems
- Biomanufacturing Processes

Physical Requirements

- Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to safely handle chemicals and biological materials in a laboratory setting.
- Flexibility to adjust work schedules when cell culture timelines or production needs require.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Carlsbad,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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 [email protected] 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.