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Nicman Group

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Development Scientist - Contract

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

This is a 6 month term contract with a prominent bio lab equipment manufacturer in Sacramento with ... Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (or related) * 0-2 years hands-on lab experience (industry ...

Nicman Group

Be Seen First

Development Scientist - Contract

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

This is a 6 month term contract with a prominent bio lab equipment manufacturer in Sacramento with ... Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (or related) * 0-2 years hands-on lab experience (industry ...

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How much do contract scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract scientist in the United States is $39.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $43.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract scientist?

A Contract Scientist is a professional hired on a temporary or project-based basis to conduct scientific research, experiments, or analysis for an organization. They typically work in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, or government agencies. Their responsibilities may include data analysis, technical reporting, and collaborating with research teams. Unlike full-time employees, contract scientists often work on specific projects with defined timeframes. This role offers flexibility but may not include long-term job security or benefits.

What is the typical work environment for a contract scientist, and how does a contract role differ from a permanent scientist position?

Contract Scientists usually work in laboratory or research settings, often as part of project-based teams in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmental science. Unlike permanent positions, contract roles typically focus on specific projects with defined timelines, offering exposure to diverse research topics and methodologies. This arrangement can provide valuable opportunities to build your network, gain a variety of industry experiences, and enhance your technical skill set. However, contract roles may come with less job security and fewer long-term benefits, making adaptability and self-motivation important for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract scientist?

To excel as a Contract Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research, analytical techniques, and data interpretation, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (e.g., R or SPSS), and industry-specific certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help Contract Scientists effectively collaborate and deliver results on varied projects. These competencies ensure accurate, timely research outputs and seamless integration within multidisciplinary teams and fast-paced, results-driven environments.

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Contract Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,362 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Crystallization Scientist (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston, MA

$60 - $63/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Vertex Pharmaceuticals rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Summary 

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join our Engineering and Materials Sciences group in Boston, MA on a temporary contract basis. 

Engineering and Materials Sciences at Vertex plays a vital role in bridging the gap between new pharmaceutical discoveries and commercial products. Engineers at Vertex work in multidisciplinary scientific teams to bring basic medical discoveries to patients and physicians by applying fundamental chemistry and chemical engineering principles to new products, processes, and development technologies. 

The successful candidate will be a highly productive, results-oriented individual, able to generate and implement original ideas and solutions that contribute materially to the success and development of drug substance candidates. Strong communication, organization, and planning skills and a high level of technical aptitude and creativity are required for success in this position. 

Job Description 

The successful candidate will be responsible for: 

• Supporting drug substance process development on a laboratory/bench scale, and in particular, developing and demonstrating early fit-for-purpose API crystallizations leading to commercially viable API particle forming processes. These would include the development of crystallization, isolation, drying, size reduction and other particle engineering operations. 

Basic and Preferred Qualifications include: 

• MS/BS degree with 2 - 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Degrees with a life science concentration required, with a preference for concentrations in chemical engineering or chemistry. 

• Knowledge and experience in API process development and scale up, in particular small molecule crystallization and particle engineering operations. 

• A demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering fundamentals; applied kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport fundamentals; as well as familiarity with modern laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, GC, FTIR, Raman, FBRM, DSC, TGA, XRPD, etc) and common laboratory automation tools. 

• Experience with statistical design of experiments; QbD concepts; and familiarity with common physical property and process modeling tools (Aspen, Dynochem, Matlab, etc.). 

• The ability to successfully interact and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team environment comprised of organic, physical, and analytical chemists, project team members, and manufacturing personnel. 

• Proven communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.  


$60-$63/HR


This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

By applying for this position, you agree to the Atrium Terms and Conditions and you direct Atrium to share your application materials, which may include your CV/Resume, email address or phone number, with Vertex. For more information on how Vertex handles your personal data related to your job application, please see Vertex’s Careers Privacy Notice.   Agreeing to the Atrium Terms and Conditions, includes permission to use the email address and mobile phone number you provide during the application process or throughout the duration of your prospective or actual employment to notify you of job openings, profiles, articles, news, and other employment-related information, as well as to notify you of special promotions or additional products and services offered by us or our affiliates and partners

(collectively, “Atrium Alerts”). Atrium Alerts may be sent by email, phone, or text message. Your personal information will be safely stored within the Atrium & Vertex databases. Atrium does not sell your personal information to third parties. Text message and data rates may apply. To OPT OUT of text messaging or to modify your communication preferences for Atrium Alerts at any time, please contact Atrium at privacyadministrator@atriumstaff.com.

If you do not agree with the Atrium Terms and Conditions, you can still complete your application for this position by emailing your resume to our team at tempstaffing@vrtx.com. Please include the job title in the subject of your email.

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors

 

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