Analytical Chemist

Actalent; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Chemist to support analytical and pharmaceutical R&D in a startup-style lab environment in Saint Paul, MN. The role emphasizes hands-on testing across HPLC, dissolution, and solid-state methods, with sample prep and formulation development support.

The candidate should have a Bachelors in Chemistry and at least 6 months of lab experience, with strong attention to detail and collaborative skills for a small team. This is a first-shift, onsite role with standard 40-hour weeks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field.
• At least 6 months of laboratory industry experience after degree.
• Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry and lab practices.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC.
• Experience with dissolution testing in a lab setting.
• Ability to perform and interpret physical testing (disintegration, particle size).
• Experience with solid-state characterization (microscopy, XRD, DSC, TGA).
• Ability to perform chemical characterization methods (assay, KF titration).
• Interest in small, collaborative team environments.
• Attention to detail and adherence to lab procedures and safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing support for prototype formulation development.
• Perform physical testing (disintegration, particle size) and related evaluations.
• Conduct solid-state characterization (microscopy, XRD, DSC, TGA).
• Execute chemical characterization methods (assay, dissolution, KF titration).
• Perform HPLC analysis to support R&D activities.
• Prepare samples for analytical and solid-state characterization.
• Support formulation development, including process optimization and scale-up.
• Collaborate with scientists to ensure timely, accurate lab testing.
• Adapt to changing project priorities and take on new tasks.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments and results.

Skills

Analytical chemistry basics

Lab experience

HPLC experience

Sample preparation

Safety & documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

XRD

DSC

TGA

KF titration

Microscopy

Job description

Job Title: ChemistJob Description

The Chemist supports scientists in an analytical and research laboratory focused on pharmaceutical research and development. This role performs a variety of analytical techniques, including HPLC, dissolution testing, and solid-state characterization, while preparing samples and assisting with formulation development. As project priorities evolve, the Chemist adapts quickly to new tasks and gains cross-training across multiple areas of the lab, offering broad exposure to hands-on R&D in a collaborative, start-up style environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing support for the manufacture of prototype formulations across all stages of development.

• Perform physical testing of products, including disintegration, particle size analysis, and related evaluations.

• Conduct solid-state characterization using techniques such as microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

• Execute chemical characterization methods, including assay, dissolution testing, and Karl Fischer (KF) titration.

• Perform HPLC analysis and related analytical procedures to support research and development activities.

• Carry out sample preparation for analytical and solid-state characterization methods in accordance with laboratory protocols.

• Provide hands-on support for formulation development, including process optimization and scale-up activities.

• Collaborate closely with scientists and senior scientists to ensure timely and accurate completion of laboratory testing.

• Adapt to changing project priorities and take on new tasks as needed, supporting multiple facets of the laboratory.

• Maintain accurate records of experiments, tests, and results in accordance with laboratory standards and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.

• At least 6 months of laboratory industry experience after completing a bachelors degree.

• Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory practices.

• Hands-on experience with HPLC, with an ideal range of 612 months of direct use.

• Experience performing dissolution and dissolution testing in a laboratory setting.

• Ability to perform and interpret physical testing such as disintegration and particle size analysis.

• Experience with solid-state characterization techniques such as microscopy, XRD, DSC, and TGA.

• Ability to perform chemical characterization methods, including assay and KF titration.

• Interest in and ability to work effectively within a smaller, collaborative team environment.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory procedures and safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical industry experience is highly preferred.

• Experience supporting formulation development, including process optimization and scale-up activities.

• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where project priorities can change quickly.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work closely with scientists and team members.

• Motivation to contribute directly to the success of a tight-knit, start-up style team.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to evolving project needs while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Work Environment

This role is based in an analytical and research laboratory with a strong emphasis on hands-on pharmaceutical R&D, providing significant exposure to innovative formulation and analytical work. The team operates in a tight-knit, start-up style environment where individuals can make a visible impact and are motivated by directly contributing to company success. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and lab coats, is required when working in the lab. The position is a first-shift, MondayFriday role with a standard 40-hour workweek. Start times are flexible, but work must be performed during core business hours, typically between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of St Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $26.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of St Paul, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in St Paul,MN.

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 [e-mail] 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.