Analytical Chemist

Actalent; Michigan; On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Analytical Chemist to join a collaborative lab focused on metal coatings and finishing applications. You will perform analytical testing, wet chemistry, and support technical service activities, contributing to both routine testing and customer-driven projects.

You will train with experienced staff to learn internal processes, testing requirements, and industry methods, becoming a key contributor to quality data and product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field.
• 0–2 years of lab experience with wet chemistry.
• Proficient in pH, viscosity, titrations and analytical procedures.
• Strong documentation and data recording skills.
• Ability to follow safety regulations and disposal procedures.
• Experience in a chemistry/lab setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing per customer requirements for Tier 1 and OEM customers.
• Apply wet chemistry techniques including pH, viscosity, titrations.
• Operate and support instruments such as HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, and XRF.
• Record results in Excel and upload data to cloud-based systems.
• Provide technical support to sales and service teams.

Skills

Wet chemistry techniques

Analytical documentation

Safety & compliance

Communication with team

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Biochemistry degree as secondary option

Tools

HPLC

UV-VIS

ICP

AA

XRF

Leica 3D Microscope

Corrosion chambers

Salt chambers

Titration equipment

Cloud-based LIMS

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Analytical Chemist

Job Description

The Analytical Chemist supports a collaborative laboratory team by performing analytical testing, wet chemistry, and technical service activities for metal coatings and finishing applications. During the training period, you work closely with experienced lab staff to learn internal processes, testing requirements, customer expectations, and industry-specific methods, becoming a key contributor to both routine testing and customer-focused technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing based on customer requirements for Tier 1 and OEM customers, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Apply wet chemistry techniques, including pH measurements, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analytical procedures to evaluate raw materials and finished products.
• Operate and support laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D Microscope, environmental salt chambers, and corrosion chambers.
• Record test results accurately in Excel spreadsheets and upload data into the company’s cloud-based system to maintain reliable laboratory records.
• Provide technical support to sales representatives and technical service representatives for internal projects and customer-related testing needs.
• Support customer projects by helping set up testing procedures and ensuring that appropriate analysis methods are followed and documented.
• Develop, validate, and improve test methods for raw materials and finished products using titrations, HPLC, IC, and other analytical methods.
• Investigate and implement new tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures when needed to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by supporting preventive maintenance and calibration schedules to ensure accurate and consistent performance.
• Follow industry standards, safety regulations, and proper procedures for handling and disposing of test samples to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the chemical laboratories and pilot line to support efficient and safe operations.
• Collaborate with and support other lab team members as needed, completing additional technical service-related tasks assigned by leadership.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry; a degree in biochemistry may be considered as a secondary option.
• 0–2 years of laboratory experience, including hands‑on wet chemistry experience gained through academic work, internships, or industry roles.
• Comfort and proficiency with wet and analytical chemistry techniques such as pH testing, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analysis procedures.
• Strong math skills and the ability to accurately document test results and observations.
• Ability to follow safety regulations and proper procedures for sample handling and disposal.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to support internal team members and customer-related testing needs.
• Experience working in a chemistry or wet chemistry laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating HPLC, IC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, torque testing equipment, corrosion chambers, salt chambers, or microscopy tools.
• Experience working with cloud-based laboratory information systems or uploading test data into shared digital systems.
• Exposure to metal coatings, metal finishing, corrosion testing, automotive, Tier 1, or OEM customer environments.
• Ability to improve existing analysis procedures and develop more efficient or more accurate test methods.
• Interest in surface finishing chemicals and related industrial applications.
• Interest in ongoing learning and collaboration with research universities and organizations.

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical laboratory environment focused on surface finishing and metal coatings, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You work with a range of advanced analytical instruments, including HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D microscopes, environmental salt chambers, corrosion chambers, and equipment used for wet chemistry techniques such as pH, viscosity, and titrations. The organization has a long history in surface finishing chemicals and emphasizes technological advancement, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration between research facilities and educational institutions. The laboratory culture reflects a smaller-company feel where long-term employee tenure is common, loyalty is recognized, and employees are supported through training, development, and performance