Application Scientist

Food Testing & Analytical Instrumentation

Contract Opportunity (3-6 Months ) | Hands-On Laboratory Work | Technical Growth

Are you a scientist who enjoys solving problems, working with advanced laboratory instrumentation, and turning data into real-world solutions?

We're partnering with a leading analytical technology organization seeking an Application Scientist to support the development and validation of innovative testing applications used throughout the food and manufacturing industries.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with backgrounds in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biology, or related scientific disciplines who want to expand their technical expertise while gaining exposure to advanced analytical instruments, method development, customer-facing science, and product innovation.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

✅ Work with cutting-edge analytical instrumentation

✅ Gain expertise in spectroscopy, food testing, and method development

✅ Hands-on laboratory experience combined with technical problem-solving

✅ Exposure to product development, applications science, and customer support

✅ Collaborative environment with scientists, engineers, and product teams

✅ Excellent opportunity for early-career scientists looking to broaden their skillset

✅ Potential for contract extension

What You'll Be Doing

As an Application Scientist, you'll become a technical expert on analytical testing platforms while supporting customers, product development initiatives, and application validation projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Performing laboratory analyses on customer samples
• Developing and validating new analytical applications and testing methods
• Operating advanced analytical instrumentation and testing systems
• Conducting moisture, protein, fat, and ash analyses
• Supporting application development and process improvement initiatives
• Interpreting analytical data and presenting findings to internal teams
• Writing technical reports, application notes, and supporting documentation
• Collaborating with Product Management, Technical Support, and Sales teams
• Assisting customers with sample validation and application support
• Maintaining accurate records and organized laboratory documentation
• Helping generate scientific data that supports product development and commercial initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biology, or another related scientific discipline
• Strong laboratory experience through industry, research, internships, co-ops, or academic projects
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Experience with analytical chemistry techniques
• Exposure to method development or method validation
• Knowledge of spectroscopy techniques such as FTIR or NIR
• Experience in food science, food testing, quality, R&D, or laboratory environments
• Previous experience supporting customers, technical teams, or scientific projects
• Familiarity with protein, moisture, fat, or ash analysis methods

Ideal Backgrounds

We encourage applicants from a variety of scientific disciplines, including:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Food Science
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Agricultural Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Laboratory Research
• Quality Control / Quality Assurance
• Product Development
• Analytical Testing

Recent graduates with strong laboratory experience and exceptional technical aptitude are encouraged to apply.

Work Environment

This position is based in a professional laboratory environment focused on analytical testing and scientific innovation. The role combines:

• Hands-on laboratory testing
• Instrument operation and troubleshooting
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Technical writing and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Scientific presentations and knowledge sharing

Approximately 75% of the work supports food-testing related applications and technologies.

Great Fit For Someone Who Wants To:

✔ Build expertise with advanced analytical instrumentation

✔ Move beyond routine laboratory testing into applications and product development

✔ Develop technical writing and scientific communication skills

✔ Gain exposure to customer-facing science and technical support

✔ Work alongside experienced scientists and technical experts

✔ Grow their career in analytical chemistry, food science, process control, or instrumentation

If you're a scientifically curious problem-solver who enjoys laboratory work, technology, and continuous learning, we'd love to connect with you.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Matthews,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.

Salary : $25