Analytical Chemist

The Analytical Chemist supports quality control testing of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medical device products by performing a wide range of analytical tasks for both QC and R&D, with a primary focus on HPLC and GC testing. This role ensures that raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and stability samples meet required quality standards through accurate chemical analysis and rigorous data review.

Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical analysis on raw materials, finished goods, stability samples, and R&D samples using techniques such as HPLC, GC, wet chemistry, FTIR, and other chromatographic methods.
• Perform routine and non-routine quality control testing to support cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medical device product development and release.
• Follow all procedures related to data documentation, laboratory safety, and good laboratory practices (GLP) to ensure traceable and compliant records.
• Accurately record, calculate, and document test data, ensuring all results are complete, reliable, and meet internal and external quality requirements.
• Review test data, calculations, and results for accuracy and completeness, identifying any discrepancies and resolving them in a timely manner.
• Interpret USP and other compendial methods and apply them appropriately to laboratory testing activities.
• Identify malfunctions or irregular performance in laboratory equipment and either advise a supervisor or perform simple repairs and calibrations as appropriate.
• Support both QC and R&D activities by collaborating closely with other chemists and laboratory technicians on method execution, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Participate in routine laboratory housekeeping, including cleaning and maintaining work areas, glassware, and shared equipment.
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture by communicating effectively, sharing knowledge, and assisting colleagues as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 2 to 5 years of experience working in a laboratory environment, specifically within chemistry-focused roles.
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting HPLC systems.
• Demonstrated experience with GC and other chromatographic techniques in an analytical chemistry setting.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques and general laboratory practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply USP and other compendial methods to analytical testing.
• Strong attention to detail with proven ability to review and verify calculations, data, and results for accuracy and completeness.
• Solid understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP) and laboratory safety procedures.
• Capability to identify and address basic equipment malfunctions, including performing simple repairs and calibrations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting results and collaborating with team members.

• Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, food, or oil and gas industries, with a preference for pharmaceutical or medical device backgrounds.
• Hands-on experience with FTIR and other instrumental analytical techniques.
• Prior work within a QC and/or R&D laboratory supporting product development and release testing.
• Ability to work with multiple product types, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics, within a single role.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to troubleshooting analytical and equipment issues.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment where responsibilities and tasks are shared.
• Interest in long-term growth within a rapidly expanding organization and willingness to take on new analytical challenges.

This position is based in a modern, brand-new 72,000-square-foot laboratory and office facility in Mundelein, Illinois. The QC/R&D chemistry group includes approximately 14 to 20 chemists and laboratory technicians who work closely together and share responsibilities for both testing and routine lab cleaning, regardless of level, tenure, or title. The environment is highly collaborative and team-oriented, with colleagues who enjoy working together, socializing at team lunches and occasional happy hours, and supporting one another on projects. The role involves extensive bench work using HPLC, GC, FTIR, wet chemistry, and other analytical instruments in a controlled laboratory setting. The culture emphasizes cooperation, open communication, and mutual respect, and is well suited to someone who enjoys both hands-on testing and active collaboration with others.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mundelein, IL.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $35.00/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 Mundelein,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 2, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $27 - $35