Entry Level Downstream Processing Scientist Jobs

Job Description

The Downstream Processing Technician III plays a key role in large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, supporting the production of biologics such as proteins used in pharmaceutical products. This position focuses on the flawless execution of manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs in a cGMP-regulated cleanroom environment. The role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to aseptic techniques, and active participation in continuous improvement, quality investigations, and lean activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

Responsibilities

• Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs with a strong focus on proactive, right-the-first-time performance.
• Assist with batch record reconciliation to ensure complete, accurate, and compliant documentation.
• Support all departmental functions, including maintaining manufacturing suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
• Document all activities to meet cGMP requirements, including completing document reviews, revisions, and daily record reviews.
• Update and maintain relevant databases and systems as part of routine documentation and tracking activities.
• Actively provide feedback on processes, documentation, and operations to support continuous improvement.
• Participate in and at times lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings to facilitate communication and address changing area needs, including lean activities.
• Support quality investigations by answering questions, providing process information, and offering suggestions for improvement.
• Practice and promote safe work habits by adhering to established safety procedures and guidelines at all times.
• Critically evaluate processes with foresight, identifying potential issues and opportunities for improvement before they impact operations.
• Interpret production schedules, prioritize tasks appropriately, and complete work in alignment with operational timelines.
• Apply aseptic techniques and cleanroom practices consistently to protect product integrity and maintain compliance.
• Handle and operate laboratory and downstream processing equipment in accordance with training and SOPs.
• Contribute subject matter expertise in downstream processing steps, where applicable, to support technical discussions and process optimization.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) required.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a related field.
• Ability to execute and follow detailed manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs accurately.
• Strong attention to detail with a proactive, right-the-first-time mindset.
• Ability to document work clearly and completely to meet cGMP requirements.
• Capability to interpret production schedules and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Proficiency in working in a regulated environment with adherence to site SOPs, policies, and safety guidelines.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs independently.
• Ability to stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
• Willingness and ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends, as scheduled.
• Ability to meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing full gowning suits and appropriate gloves.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred: Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment.
• Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment with aseptic technique.
• Preferred: Four-year STEM degree with exposure to aseptic technique, chemistry, HPLC, chromatography, and pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry environments.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and cleanroom operations.
• Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, or chemical concepts.
• Preferred: Subject matter expertise in downstream processing steps.
• Experience with laboratory techniques related to chemistry and biologics is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills to participate effectively in shift exchanges, one-on-one meetings, and team discussions.
• Comfort with providing feedback and participating in continuous improvement and lean activities.

Work Environment

This role is based in a cleanroom and aseptic suite environment where you will work with large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations. You will support the production of biologics, such as proteins used in pharmaceuticals for conditions including autoimmune diseases. The position requires full cleanroom gowning, including a bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses. To maintain cleanroom standards, items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products are not permitted. You must be able to wear Tyvek, nitrile, and/or latex gloves and meet all cleanroom gowning requirements. The role involves standing for most of the shift and lifting up to 25 lbs independently. Initial training is conducted Monday through Friday for approximately 4–6 weeks, focusing on SOP and safety training. After initial training, the position transitions to rotating 12-hour shifts, working 7 days out of a 2-week period, with both day and night shifts in rotation. An example schedule includes working Monday–Tuesday, off Wednesday–Thursday, and working Friday–Sunday in Week 1, then off Monday–Tuesday, working Wednesday–Thursday, and off Friday–Sunday in Week 2. Starting in July, the schedule may transition to 10-hour shifts (40 hours per week) on a 3-2-2-2-3 pattern, with a strong likelihood of second shift (approximately 2:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.). The work environment emphasizes safety, collaboration with a team of experienced professionals, and exposure to advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, offering a strong career development opportunity in large-scale biologics and pharmaceutical operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.20/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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 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.