Analytical Scientist I

Job Title: Analytical Scientist I Job Description
The Analytical Scientist I role focuses on developing, qualifying, and improving analytical methods to support active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development programs in a fast-paced, small manufacturing environment. You will handle, analyze, and characterize chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and related organic molecules using techniques such as HPLC and GC, and you will draft analytical development reports, method qualification protocols, and execute validation protocols with minimal supervision. This position requires the ability to apply scientific principles and regulatory guidelines to solve analytical problems related to drug substances, while ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and cGMP requirements.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the design and execution of non-routine analytical experiments under supervision, supporting API development projects.
- Correctly analyze experimental data and results, interpret outcomes, and propose appropriate follow-up activities with guidance as needed.
- Apply basic scientific principles, theories, and concepts to research problems and develop solutions for analytical issues related to drug substances in compliance with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
- Perform literature searches and extract relevant information from published protocols and scientific journals to inform method development and problem-solving.
- Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of analytical equipment, including HPLC and GC systems, under supervision.
- Manage various aspects of analytical projects with supervision, ensuring timelines and quality expectations are met.
- Provide clear project-related updates to internal stakeholders and, when required, to external customers.
- Write project documentation of basic complexity, including analytical test methods, development reports, and protocols, incorporating input from a supervisor.
- Establish and assist in coordinating activities at contract chemical and analytical laboratories when required to support project needs.
- Ensure timely completion of all required cGMP and company training, maintaining full compliance with internal and external standards.
- Safeguard sensitive, valuable, and proprietary information, consistently following information security practices in day-to-day duties.
- Execute method development, qualification, and validation activities for LC and/or GC methods within a GMP environment and document results in formal reports.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on experience with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), including strong analytical experience in HPLC methods.
- Hands-on experience with gas chromatography (GC), including strong analytical experience in GC methods.
- Demonstrated experience in analytical method development for LC and/or GC in a GMP pharmaceutical environment.
- Demonstrated experience in analytical method validation and qualification, including drafting and executing validation protocols.
- Previous GMP pharmaceutical experience, with a minimum of 4+ years working in a regulated GMP setting.
- Ability to handle, analyze, and characterize chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and related organic molecules safely and accurately.
- Proficiency in analyzing experimental data, interpreting results, and drawing scientifically sound conclusions.
- Ability to write clear and accurate analytical test methods, development reports, and protocols.
- Working knowledge of cGMP principles and regulatory guidelines applicable to analytical testing of drug substances.
- Ability to perform literature searches and extract relevant information from scientific publications and protocols.
- Capability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on analytical instruments such as HPLC and GC.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance with SOPs and information security requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Background in chemistry or a related scientific discipline, with knowledge of organic and pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Experience working in an API manufacturing or pharmaceutical development environment.
- Familiarity with coordinating activities with external contract chemical and analytical laboratories.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing documentation and providing project updates.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Interest in contributing to a growing organization focused on onshoring API manufacturing and long-term expansion.
- Method development and method validation experience across different analytical platforms.
- Ability to manage multiple analytical tasks and projects in a fast-paced setting while maintaining quality and compliance.
Work Environment
This position is based fully on site at a small manufacturing facility in Cary, North Carolina. You will work in a laboratory and production-support environment that uses analytical technologies such as HPLC and GC to support API development. The setting is fast-paced and growth-oriented, with a focus on onshoring API manufacturing and expanding operations in the coming years. You can expect close collaboration with colleagues in a compact facility where safety, cGMP compliance, and information security are central to daily work. Standard laboratory attire and appropriate personal protective equipment are required when working in lab and manufacturing areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Raleigh,NC. 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.