Job Title: Downstream Processing Technician IIIJob Description
This role offers the opportunity to advance your manufacturing career by supporting large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations in a state-of-the-art facility in St. Louis. As a Downstream Processing Technician III, you will work in cleanroom and aseptic suites to execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance. You will contribute directly to the production of biologics, such as large-scale proteins used in pharmaceutical products for conditions like autoimmune diseases, while upholding strict cGMP standards and collaborating closely with a team of experienced professionals.
Responsibilities
Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs with a proactive "right the first time" mindset to ensure consistent product quality.
Assist with batch record reconciliation to verify completeness, accuracy, and compliance with cGMP requirements.
Support all department functions by maintaining production suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
Document all activities accurately and in a timely manner to meet cGMP standards, including completing document reviews, revisions, and daily record reviews.
Maintain and update tasks and databases as required, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
Actively provide feedback on processes, documentation, and operations to support continuous improvement and lean initiatives.
Participate in and, when needed, lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings to communicate changes, priorities, and area needs.
Attend cross-functional meetings as required to facilitate smooth operations and address production or process changes.
Support quality investigations by answering questions, providing detailed feedback, and suggesting improvements to prevent recurrence of issues.
Practice and promote safe work habits at all times, strictly adhering to safety procedures, guidelines, and cleanroom protocols.
Critically evaluate processes with foresight, identifying potential issues and opportunities for optimization before they impact operations.
Interpret production schedules and prioritize tasks accordingly to ensure deadlines and production targets are met.
Apply aseptic techniques and cleanroom practices to maintain product and environmental integrity during downstream processing.
Collaborate with team members and subject matter experts on downstream processing steps to ensure consistent execution of procedures.
Support training and knowledge sharing within the team by demonstrating best practices in documentation, aseptic technique, and cGMP compliance.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree (BS) in a STEM-related field.
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a related field.
Ability to work in a cleanroom environment and follow aseptic techniques.
Ability to understand and execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to "right the first time" execution.
Ability to document activities clearly and accurately to meet cGMP requirements.
Capability to interpret production schedules and prioritize tasks effectively.
Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs independently.
Ability to stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
Willingness and ability to meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing full gowning suits, Tyvek, and nitrile and/or latex gloves.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Preferred: Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment.
Preferred: 4-year STEM degree with exposure to aseptic technique, chemistry, HPLC, chromatography, or pharmaceutical industry operations.
Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment and aseptic technique.
Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, or chemical concepts.
Preferred: Subject matter expertise in downstream processing steps.
Familiarity with cleanroom operations and aseptic suites.
Experience working with biologics or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Comfort working with laboratory and production equipment under strict procedural control.
Work Environment
This role is based in cleanroom and aseptic suites where you will support large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations. You will work with biologics such as large-scale proteins that are used in pharmaceutical products. The environment follows strict cGMP, safety, and aseptic standards. You must be willing to fully gown up, including wearing a bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, safety glasses, and other required protective equipment. Cleanroom gowning requirements include wearing Tyvek garments and nitrile and/or latex gloves. Certain personal items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products are not permitted in the cleanroom. The training schedule runs Monday through Friday for 4-6 weeks, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Following training, the position operates on a second-shift schedule from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with a rotating two-week pattern: Week 1 - off Sunday, work Monday-Wednesday, off Thursday-Friday, work Saturday; Week 2 - work Sunday, off Monday-Tuesday, work Wednesday-Friday, off Saturday. The role requires the ability to lift at least 25 lbs independently and to stand for approximately 80% of the shift. You will work as part of a collaborative team in a structured, process-driven environment focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.80 - $30.80/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 Saint Louis,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 21, 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.
