Senior QC Chemist

The Senior QC Chemist performs hands-on laboratory testing and analysis of a wide range of test samples to ensure the quality of processes, raw materials, in-process materials, and finished pharmaceutical products. This role works in a collaborative Quality Control laboratory environment, supporting Manufacturing and Product Development activities while executing analytical methods, interpreting data, and driving continuous improvement in efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. The position combines advanced analytical chemistry, strong GMP compliance, and technical leadership within a growing organization focused on treatments for central nervous system diseases and severe allergic reactions.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with colleagues in a team-oriented Quality Control laboratory and serve as an integral member of multidisciplinary teams that support Manufacturing and Product Development activities.
• Perform hands-on testing and analysis of pharmaceutical products using GC, HPLC, viscosity, pH, and other analytical instrumentation.
• Execute analytical methods for testing a variety of samples, including raw materials, in-process and finished products, stability samples, validation samples, and R&D test samples.
• Complete all laboratory activities in compliance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures, specifications, and compendial requirements in an efficient and high-quality manner.
• Prepare and standardize laboratory reagents and test solutions according to established procedures.
• Document all laboratory work in accordance with Good Documentation Practices, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Generate data reports, forms, and summaries that clearly present analytical results and conclusions.
• Operate, calibrate, and perform preventative maintenance on analytical instruments such as HPLC and GC, and troubleshoot and repair minor instrument issues as needed.
• Support and execute activities related to analytical test method validation and method transfer.
• Author, edit, and review technical reports, protocols, specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Continuously review laboratory programs and systems to identify and implement improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.
• Participate in and, when appropriate, lead independent and team-based investigations into laboratory issues or test result anomalies.
• Determine root causes for out-of-specification and atypical test results and develop, propose, and monitor corrective actions.
• Support customer complaint investigations by providing analytical testing and data interpretation as required.
• Perform all work in accordance with applicable safety procedures, using good laboratory techniques and ensuring safe operation of laboratory equipment.
• Carry out departmental tasks such as sample receipt, submission of samples to third-party laboratories, DEA compliance documentation, chemical inventory management, ordering consumables and lab supplies, waste disposal, dishwashing, and general laboratory organization and cleaning.
• Lead hands-on training for analytical techniques, providing guidance and mentorship to other laboratory personnel.
• Maintain regulatory compliance in all instrumentation records, test result documentation, usage logbooks, maintenance logbooks, and all other product- or project-specific documentation.
• Act as a peer technical and quality assurance reviewer for laboratory work performed by others, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Collate, analyze, and summarize data to support decision-making and reporting requirements.
• Interact with internal and external auditors when required, providing documentation, explanations, and support for Quality Control activities.

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in a scientific discipline; an advanced degree is a plus.
• 4 years of experience in a pharmaceutical analytical laboratory or other regulated environment, or at least 2 years of experience with a Master’s degree in the sciences.
• Demonstrated experience working in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong analytical and wet chemistry skills applied in a laboratory setting.
• Hands-on HPLC experience (required).
• Hands-on GC experience (required).
• Knowledge and practical experience with chromatography, spectroscopy, and standard wet chemistry techniques.
• Proficiency with analytical testing equipment and related procedures, including troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and projects with competing priorities while independently managing time.
• High level of motivation, self-direction, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to operate with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to comprehend and follow Standard Operating Procedures and analytical test methods.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong technical writing skills for authoring and reviewing technical documents.
• Ability to exercise independent intellectual judgment and make data-driven decisions.
• Expertise in general analytical techniques and experience troubleshooting analytical testing equipment.

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline is considered a strong plus.
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical analytical laboratory focused on small molecules or similar products.
• Experience supporting method validation and method transfer activities.
• Familiarity with Good Documentation Practices and regulatory expectations for laboratory records.
• Experience leading or participating in laboratory investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Comfort working with both wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation within a single Quality Control function.
• Experience preparing technical reports, protocols, specifications, and SOPs in a regulated environment.
• Ability to train and mentor junior staff in analytical techniques and laboratory best practices.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
• Interest in supporting products and pipelines related to central nervous system diseases and severe allergic reactions.

This role is based in an analytical laboratory within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The Senior QC Chemist works primarily on a first-shift schedule, with typical start times between 7:00–9:00 a.m. and end times between 3:00–5:00 p.m., allowing some flexibility within that window. The QC/Analytical laboratory team consists of approximately 10–12 professionals, and the environment is collaborative with a family-like atmosphere. The lab includes both wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation, such as HPLC, GC, viscosity measurement equipment, pH meters, and related analytical tools, which are used to test an epilepsy treatment drug and other products in the organization’s portfolio. The company maintains a portfolio of commercialized products marketed globally through licensees and is actively advancing a proprietary product pipeline focused on diseases of the central nervous system and severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The culture emphasizes growth, innovation, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to work on new pharmaceutical products, contribute to R&D activities, and advance within the laboratory. Work is performed in a regulated, GMP-compliant environment that requires adherence to safety procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment, and good laboratory practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portage, IN.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/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 Portage,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 27, 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 : $30 - $38