Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Chemist I
Job Description
This role provides hands-on analytical support in a Quality Control laboratory, performing HPLC, GC, wet chemistry, and related testing on samples to ensure compliance with specifications and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The Chemist I works primarily on a 3rd shift weekend schedule after completing an initial training period on 1st shift, and plays a key role in running samples, maintaining accurate documentation, and supporting a 24/7 laboratory operation. This position offers strong growth potential into Quality or Analytical Development roles or into documentation-focused positions.
Responsibilities
- Log in samples or specimens by accurately recording date, time, and required tests, ensuring proper traceability and chain of custody.
- Prepare samples for testing by performing appropriate dilutions, filtrations, centrifugations, digestions, and other wet chemistry sample preparation techniques.
- Perform standard chemical tests using HPLC, GC, wet chemistry, UV-Vis, titration, and other analytical methods, interpreting results and correlating them with other relevant information as needed.
- Run quality control samples with known values to verify that procedures and results remain within acceptable limits and take appropriate action if deviations occur.
- Collect or assist in collecting samples for analysis, ensuring proper handling, labeling, and storage in accordance with laboratory procedures and GMP requirements.
- Enter test results into logs, specification sheets, laboratory information systems, or other documentation tools with a high level of accuracy and completeness.
- Complete test result forms and promptly notify the supervisor in cases of significant or out-of-specification findings.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records detailing all quality control procedures used and results obtained for each test performed.
- Perform routine calibration and minor preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment, including HPLC, GC, GCMS, FTIR, UV-Vis, centrifuges, and other instruments, and document all activities.
- Monitor laboratory inventory, inform the supervisor of supply needs, and help ensure that reagents, standards, and consumables are available and properly stored.
- Stay current in the field by reading relevant scientific literature and participating in symposiums, workshops, or other professional development activities as appropriate.
- Maintain knowledge of and compliance with GMP operations, laboratory policies, and standard operating procedures.
- Apply logical and scientific thinking to troubleshoot analytical issues and solve a wide range of practical and technical problems in the laboratory.
- Interpret and work with nonverbal scientific information, such as formulas, scientific equations, graphs, and other data representations.
- Write clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedure documentation as required.
- Effectively present information and respond to questions from colleagues, managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Follow all safety procedures, including proper handling of chemicals, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
- Stand for extended periods and perform manual tasks such as handling, reaching, and manipulating laboratory tools, equipment, and samples.
- Lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as needed to support laboratory operations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Chemistry or a closely related science field from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Chemistry degree is required; candidates may be recent graduates or have 0–2 years of laboratory experience.
- At least 1 year of HPLC or GC (gas chromatography) experience from school or industry is preferred; industry experience with HPLC and analytical laboratory work is strongly valued.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Morton Grove,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 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.