Analytical Chemist II

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Analytical Chemist II / QC Chemist II
Job Description

This role performs advanced analytical testing and quality control activities for raw materials, in-process solutions, stability samples, finished products, and cleaning validation samples within a regulated laboratory environment. The position splits time between hands-on laboratory testing and documentation-focused activities such as Phase I investigations and data review, helping ensure that products and materials consistently meet stringent quality and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing on raw materials, in-process solutions, stability samples, and finished goods, including identification tests, refractive index, density, viscosity, water activity, pH, appearance, taste, and smell evaluations.
• Conduct advanced analytical testing such as limits tests, titrations, water determination, assay, impurities testing, and ICP-MS analysis to support product and process quality.
• Perform pharmaceutical water testing, including nitrate testing, total organic carbon (TOC), and conductivity measurements, to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Carry out analytical testing of cleaning validation and surveillance samples to verify effective cleaning processes and ongoing control.
• Prepare solutions used for routine and non-routine analysis, including buffers, diluents, and other reagents required for testing.
• Execute Phase I investigations to assess non-conformances, deviations, or unexpected results and document findings in accordance with procedures.
• Conduct simple data review of results generated from routine testing to confirm accuracy, completeness, and compliance with specifications.
• Coordinate sample handling before and after testing, including sample receipt, labeling, storage, tracking, and disposition.
• Order and maintain adequate stock of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables to support continuous laboratory operations.
• Perform laboratory maintenance activities such as equipment preventive maintenance, basic calibrations, waste disposal, and cleaning of laboratory areas.
• Utilize chromatography (HPLC, GC), spectroscopy (including FTIR), and other analytical techniques in compliance with cGMP and other GxP requirements.
• Document all laboratory activities accurately and promptly in laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, and applicable quality records.
• Collaborate closely with quality control and microbiology teams to ensure that disposable product lines and formulated products are tested properly prior to release.
• Adhere to established safety, quality, and regulatory procedures and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the QC laboratory.
• Perform other related duties as needed to support QC chemistry operations and laboratory projects.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related technical field.
• Experience with HPLC and ICP-MS techniques in a laboratory setting.
• 4 years of experience working in a GxP laboratory environment.
• Experience working in a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) or other cGxP environment.
• Proficiency with common analytical methods such as chromatography and spectroscopy.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment such as balances, graduated cylinders, and related instruments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to perform wet chemistry techniques, including titrations and solution preparation.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, maintain accurate records, and work effectively in a regulated QC laboratory.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience conducting laboratory investigations and reviewing routine testing data.
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Background in analytical chemistry within medical device or pharmaceutical environments.
• Experience with FTIR, HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, and other chromatography and spectroscopy techniques.
• Familiarity with raw material testing, non-conformance evaluation, and investigation of non-conforming results.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including microbiology and other quality functions.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple samples, tests, and documentation requirements in parallel.

Work Environment

This position is based in a QC Chemistry laboratory that typically includes 6–10 team members on the chemistry side. The site features one of the few dedicated analytical chemistry labs within the broader organization, supporting active pharmaceutical ingredients, formulated products, and disposable product lines. The QC chemistry team works closely with the microbiology group to ensure that products are thoroughly tested and meet quality standards before release to customers. The lab operates under cGMP and other GxP requirements and uses a range of analytical technologies, including HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, FTIR, chromatography, spectroscopy, and standard wet chemistry equipment. The role is scheduled on a second shift, typically from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and involves working in a controlled laboratory environment with standard safety protocols, laboratory instrumentation, and routine handling of chemicals and samples.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cary,IL.

Application Deadline

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.