<p>A large biopharmaceutical organization in the Greater Houston, Texas area is seeking an experienced Analytical Project Leader (APL) for a full-time contract engagement estimated at six months with strong potential for extension. This role sits at the intersection of analytical development and client-facing program leadership, serving as the technical lead and primary sponsor contact across multiple CMC programs simultaneously. The position supports a sophisticated biologics pipeline — including monoclonal antibodies and viral gene therapy products — within a CDMO or life sciences environment that demands both deep analytical expertise and polished program management capability. The $75–$100/hour pay rate plus per diem for travel makes this one of the more competitive contract opportunities in the region.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Pay rate: $75–$100 per hour, commensurate with experience level (APL vs. Senior APL)</li> <li>Per diem provided for travel-related expenses</li> <li>Full-time contract engagement with an estimated six-month duration and potential for extension</li> <li>Immediate start available — opening is active now</li> <li>Exposure to a large, established biopharmaceutical organization with a complex, multi-program portfolio</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Serves as technical lead and primary client contact for analytical development programs across the product lifecycle</li> <li>Develops and executes analytical strategies across multiple programs simultaneously, applying stage-gate development processes and risk-based decision making</li> <li>Supports analytical method development, validation, qualification, and technology transfer activities</li> <li>Contributes directly to CMC regulatory submissions, including IND and/or BLA documentation</li> <li>Manages sponsor relationships and delivers technical data presentations to client stakeholders</li> <li>Works cross-functionally with Analytical Development, QC, Validation, Tech Transfer, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams</li> <li>Analytical platforms support biologics, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and viral gene therapy (VGT) product modalities</li> <li>Two-tier engagement structure: APL (5–8 years experience) and Senior APL (10+ years with senior client-facing leadership history)</li> <li>Criminal background check required as a condition of employment per state law</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>MS or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related scientific discipline</li> <li>APL level: minimum 5–8 years of biopharmaceutical analytical development experience, including at least 2 years of program coordination responsibility</li> <li>Senior APL level: 10 or more years of biopharmaceutical analytical development experience, including at least 5 years of client-facing program leadership</li> <li>Demonstrated experience as a technical lead and primary client contact on analytical programs</li> <li>Hands-on knowledge of analytical method development, validation, qualification, and transfer in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment</li> <li>Direct experience supporting CMC regulatory submissions (IND and/or BLA)</li> <li>Familiarity with biologics, mAb, and/or viral gene therapy analytical testing platforms</li> <li>PMP certification or equivalent formal project management training preferred</li> <li>Strong communication, leadership, and executive-level presentation skills required</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>The Greater Houston area is one of the most dynamic life sciences and energy corridors in the United States, offering a large metropolitan job market, no state income tax, and a cost of living that remains accessible relative to comparable biotech hubs on the coasts. The region features a diverse culinary and cultural scene, major professional sports franchises, proximity to Gulf Coast recreation, and easy access to two international airports. For contract professionals relocating or commuting, Houston's broad infrastructure and established medical and biotech industry presence make it a practical and professionally rewarding base.</p>