Internship Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

This role focuses on supporting purification process development for clinical and commercial programs by performing high-throughput purification experiments, maintaining laboratory equipment, and analyzing data to generate process insights. The Process Development Associate works in a fast-paced pilot-scale laboratory to help scale purification processes and support downstream development activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-throughput purification screening experiments to support purification process development for clinical and commercial processes.
• Support laboratory work related to purification of various biological molecules, including proteins and other biomolecules.
• Document experiments, results, and conclusions accurately and promptly in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, including setup, calibration, and routine upkeep, to ensure reliable and consistent operation.
• Troubleshoot instrumental and experimental issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Collect, aggregate, and organize historical process and experimental data from multiple sources.
• Analyze historical and current experimental data to generate insights that inform purification process development and optimization.
• Contribute to downstream processing and purification development activities, including scale-up and technology transfer tasks.
• Collaborate with a broader process development team to support project timelines and deliverables while taking ownership of individual assignments.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, safety guidelines, and documentation standards to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Assist with automation-related tasks, such as operating or supporting TECAN or similar platforms, where applicable.

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field of study.
• 0–3 years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Hands-on experience or training in protein purification and downstream processing techniques.
• Fundamental understanding of column chromatography principles and their application to protein purification.
• Experience with or exposure to AKTA systems (such as AKTA Pilot or AKTA Process) for purification operations.
• Ability to perform and document experiments in an electronic laboratory notebook with a high level of accuracy and detail.
• Capability to maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instruments used in purification and downstream processing.
• Ability to collect, aggregate, and analyze experimental and historical data to draw meaningful conclusions.
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative process development environment while managing individual responsibilities.

• Experience with downstream development activities, including scale-up of purification processes.
• Exposure to or experience with automation platforms such as TECAN.
• Knowledge of technology transfer principles related to purification and downstream processes.
• Experience working with tangential flow filtration (TFF) or similar downstream unit operations.
• Strong fundamental understanding of various protein purification principles and their application to clinical and commercial processes.
• Interest in working in a fast-paced pilot-scale laboratory environment focused on sound science and continuous improvement.
• Motivation to grow within an expanding organization that offers long-term career development opportunities.
• Eligibility for comprehensive benefits packages, including potential stock options or equity, bonuses, restricted stock units (RSUs), and retirement plan matching for full-time employees, as applicable.
• For contract roles, eligibility for accrued sick time, accrued vacation time, and paid holidays as observed by the organization, where applicable.

The role is part of a small team within a larger process development group of approximately 50 people, focused on process development and scaling up processes to meet preclinical and clinical material needs. The position is based in a fast-paced pilot-scale laboratory where sound science, collaboration, and teamwork are core priorities. This is a hands-on laboratory role that requires being onsite five days per week. The environment emphasizes team-based work while allowing individuals to take ownership of independent projects. The organization is in expansion mode and offers a strong company culture, with a history of scientific achievement, multiple approved medicines, and all drug candidates invented and developed in-house. Employees benefit from an onsite gym and cafeteria, as well as opportunities for professional growth and advancement. The broader workforce is large and growing, with thousands of employees worldwide and a significant presence on the main campus.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tarrytown, NY.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/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 Tarrytown,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.