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Job Title: Research Associate - Formulations

Job Description

The Research Associate in Formulation Sciences plays a crucial role in advancing scientific experiments and research to support pre-clinical and clinical formulation development programs. This position requires designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments using Quality-by-Design approaches. The focus is on supporting intravenous and subcutaneous formulation development and stability characterization for regulatory submissions. The role involves maintaining rigorous documentation and adhering to quality standards to ensure reproducibility and compliance. Ultimately, this position drives the generation of high-quality data that informs strategic formulation decisions and accelerates the development of products.

Responsibilities

+ Design and conduct advanced experiments in formulation development and drug stability according to ICH, FDA, and EMA standards.

+ Prepare and maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.

+ Analyze and interpret DoE experimental data using statistical and modeling tools.

+ Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop research strategies and troubleshoot technical challenges.

+ Prepare detailed reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations to communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.

+ Mentor and train junior research staff to enhance laboratory skills and ensure adherence to best practices and safety standards.

Essential Skills

+ Strong foundation in protein-based formulation development with 3+ years of industry experience.

+ Highly skilled in hands-on laboratory work and familiar with analytical equipment.

+ Capable of designing and executing formulation studies for intravenous and subcutaneous routes.

+ Solid understanding of FDA stability requirements and attention to detail.

+ Experience with biophysical characterization techniques and plate-based assays.

+ Strong analytical and documentation skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or a related field with at least 3 years of experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline.

+ Strong experimental skills with standard laboratory techniques, including weighing of excipients, pipetting, solution and buffer preparation.

+ Familiarity with common lab instruments such as pH meters, balances, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, automated liquid handlers, and osmometers.

+ Ability to learn new skills and techniques as relevant.

+ Experience with formulation development for pharmaceutical products is a plus.

+ Experience with biophysical instrument techniques such as dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, particle analysis via membrane imaging, and viscometry is a plus.

Work Environment

The role operates under standard business hours and involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. The environment is supportive of learning and development, with opportunities for mentoring and skill enhancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 13, 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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.