Senior Associate

Job Title: Senior Associate - Analytical ChemistryJob Description

This onsite Senior Associate role focuses on performing advanced analytical testing and protein characterization in a fast-paced laboratory environment. You contribute directly to method development, qualification, and data review using a range of chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, while maintaining high standards of documentation, safety, and client service. This position is ideal for candidates with a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline and 1-3 years of hands-on industry experience in analytical testing and protein chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Obtain assignments and follow the scientific direction provided by Senior scientific staff, flagging issues and seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Perform analytical testing and data review using techniques such as HPLC/UHPLC (high and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography), ion exchange chromatography (IEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), capillary electrophoresis, glycan mapping, peptide mapping, and mass spectrometry.
• Execute method development and qualification studies, as well as protein characterization experiments, with guidance from Senior team members.
• Demonstrate independence in day-to-day work and consistently produce high-quality, reliable results under minimal direction.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation in electronic systems and laboratory notebooks, ensuring traceability and compliance.
• Operate specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including set-up, routine operation, and basic troubleshooting.
• Perform general laboratory housekeeping activities to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Complete required training on assigned tasks and maintain up-to-date training records in accordance with site procedures.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute ideas to enhance laboratory processes and workflows.
• Strive to deliver excellent service to internal and external clients by meeting timelines, communicating clearly, and addressing questions professionally.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures, including proper use of building monitoring systems, maintenance of laboratory documentation, adherence to written procedures, and accurate completion of laboratory log books.
• Support multiple project activities simultaneously in a highly matrixed team environment that may include Manufacturing, Process Development, Information Systems, Facilities, Engineering, and Quality Control.
• Communicate issues or unexpected results promptly to Senior staff and collaborate on appropriate follow-up actions.
• Address client questions independently when appropriate, using sound scientific judgment based on the work performed and reported.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree (B.S. or equivalent) in Analytical Chemistry, Physical or Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
• 1-3 years of experience performing analytical testing in an industry or laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience executing analytical test methods using HPLC/UHPLC, ion exchange chromatography (IEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and related techniques.
• Practical experience in protein chemistry, including method execution, troubleshooting, and interpretation of analytical data.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation used for analytical testing.
• Strong laboratory documentation skills, including accurate, concise recording of data and procedures in electronic systems and laboratory notebooks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly, follow detailed instructions, and comply with established laboratory and company policies.
• Ability to respond to client inquiries with sound scientific judgment regarding analytical work and reported results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience executing analytical test methods in one or more of the following areas: HPLC/UHPLC, ion exchange chromatography (IEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), capillary electrophoresis, glycan mapping, peptide mapping, and mass spectrometry.
• Understanding and application of principles, concepts, theories, and standards used in GMP and quality control microbiology laboratories.
• Knowledge of regulatory and industry considerations related to analytical testing, including compliance issues and scientific discovery processes.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of protein chemistry, including structural and functional characterization.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment with cross-functional partners such as Manufacturing, Process Development, Information Systems, Facilities, Engineering, and Quality Control.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to quality improvement efforts and continuous process enhancement.
• Comfort interacting with internal and external clients, providing clear communication on testing status, results, and technical considerations.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite at a headquarters laboratory facility in Thousand Oaks, with a typical schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The work is performed in a fast-paced, dynamic analytical laboratory environment that uses advanced technologies such as HPLC/UHPLC, ion exchange chromatography (IEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), capillary electrophoresis, glycan mapping, peptide mapping, and mass spectrometry. You work closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Process Development, Information Systems, Facilities, Engineering, and Quality Control, in a highly matrixed setting. The role requires regular use of specialized laboratory equipment and electronic documentation systems, adherence to detailed safety and compliance procedures, and participation in building and laboratory monitoring processes. The environment emphasizes strong collaboration, high energy, and continuous learning, with a focus on quality, client service, and maintaining an organized, well-kept laboratory space.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Thousand Oaks, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $27.00/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 Thousand Oaks,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.