Reagent Development Scientist I

The Reagent Development Scientist I joins a hands-on, results-driven research and development team focused on creating, optimizing, and validating new and existing blood banking reagent formulations within a medical device and in-vitro diagnostics environment. This role centers on reagent formulation and characterization through analytical and performance testing, while applying strong critical thinking to troubleshoot issues and recommend next steps to senior scientists and team members. The scientist also evaluates the scalability of processes and collaborates closely with manufacturing technical support to transfer designs into operations.

Responsibilities

• Execute laboratory studies to develop and manufacture new and existing reagents in the Reagent Development Laboratory.
• Perform daily departmental activities in accordance with established procedures and supervisory instructions.
• Complete assigned tasks within department-defined procedures and timelines.
• Participate in developing departmental procedures, quality plans, device master records, and work instructions that support qualification and validation study protocols for design transfer into manufacturing operations.
• Implement special projects, validation activities, and other assigned initiatives as needed.
• Support training efforts and contribute to the development of employee technical skills.
• Perform administrative tasks necessary to ensure efficient day-to-day departmental operations.
• Participate in procuring appropriate raw materials and components required for the execution of laboratory and development studies.
• Assist in forecasting future departmental needs for equipment and capital investments.
• Participate in departmental internal audits to support compliance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all department records are legible, complete, and stored according to defined procedures and retention timelines.
• Follow applicable laboratory safety regulations, including OSHA requirements related to chemical hazards, blood-borne pathogens, and general laboratory safety.
• Apply knowledge of ANSI/ISO/ASQC Q9001, 21 CFR Parts 1–99, 200s, 600s, 800s, and EN46001 standards as they relate to the corporate quality system.
• Understand the source, composition, and characteristics of products and associated chemical and biosafety hazards to work safely and effectively.
• Follow company procedures for documenting employee training and maintaining training records.
• Interact cooperatively with coworkers, managers, and colleagues in other departments, and respond constructively to direction from superiors.
• Execute bench-scale and pilot-scale bulk formulations for new and existing reagent development projects.
• Perform or learn to perform ELISAs, blood analysis using hematology analyzers, absorbance measurements using spectrophotometers, and automated and manual blood typing assays for characterization of antibodies and red blood cells.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide clear feedback and recommendations to the team and senior scientists.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues, adjust experimental designs as needed, and propose data-driven solutions.
• Communicate experimental findings, conclusions, and recommendations clearly in written reports and presentations.
• Support design transfer activities by collaborating with manufacturing technical support teams and providing input on process scalability.
• Assist in training individuals on newly developed processes and methods.
• Present information and project updates effectively to management and subject matter experts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Chemistry or Biology is required.
• One to two years of related work experience in general laboratory work, research, or R academic undergraduate research experience may be considered.
• Experience executing bench-scale and pilot-scale bulk formulations for reagent development.
• Ability to perform or willingness to learn ELISA assays.
• Ability to perform or willingness to learn blood analysis using hematology analyzers or similar instruments.
• Ability to perform or willingness to learn absorbance measurements using spectrophotometers.
• Ability to perform or willingness to learn automated and manual blood typing for characterization of antibodies and red blood cells.
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in experimental execution and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, agile environment and adapt quickly to changes in experimental design.
• Excellent troubleshooting and experimental design skills.
• Understanding of technical content related to antibodies and red blood cells for experimental design and data interpretation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently, exercise good judgment, and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to communicate clearly with subject matter experts and collaborate in a goal-driven team environment.
• Ability to effectively present information and findings to management.
• Ability to train others in developed processes and laboratory methods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Master’s degree (MS) in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, or Cell Biology is beneficial but not required.
• One to two years of experience in research, either in an academic or industry R&D setting, particularly in reagent development or assay development.
• Prior experience working with blood reagents is highly desirable.
• Experience in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) development is preferred.
• Background in research, cell biology, mammalian cell culture, and cell-based assays is advantageous.
• Experience running experiments and performing data analysis, including use of tools such as Minitab or similar statistical software.
• Exposure to design transfer activities from R&D to manufacturing in a medical device or diagnostics environment.
• Familiarity with blood banking, blood analysis, hematology analyzers, absorbance measurements, spectrometers, blood typing, antibodies, and red blood cells.
• Understanding of regulatory and quality frameworks such as ANSI/ISO/ASQC Q9001, 21 CFR Parts 1–99, 200s, 600s, 800s, and EN46001 as applied to a corporate quality system.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams in a regulated environment.
• Interest in contributing to the development of serology-based reagents, blood typing and compatibility testing kits, automated instruments, HLA typing assays, donor screening tests, and blood bank information systems.

This role is based on-site at a medical device and diagnostics research and development facility specializing in transfusion and transplant diagnostic manufacturing and in-vitro diagnostics. The laboratory environment supports development of serology-based reagents, blood typing and compatibility testing kits, automated instruments, HLA typing assays, donor screening tests, and blood bank information systems. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, with five days per week on-site and flexible hours typically around 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The work involves hands-on laboratory activities using equipment such as hematology analyzers, spectrophotometers, automated blood typing instruments, and related diagnostic platforms. The environment is fast-paced and agile, requiring adaptability to evolving project needs and experimental designs. Laboratory work requires adherence to OSHA regulations and safety practices related to chemical hazards, blood-borne pathogens, and biosafety. The culture emphasizes collaboration, cross-functional interaction, and clear communication, with opportunities to support global initiatives and contribute to new product development. The role may occasionally require lifting and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, and standard laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are expected in accordance with safety policies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Peachtree Corners, GA.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $30.00/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 Peachtree Corners,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 4, 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.