Analytical Chemist

Actalent; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Wilmington, DE is seeking an Analytical Chemist to perform complex routine and non-routine analytical testing with a focus on polymers. You will operate a wide range of laboratory instruments, record data, and report results using digital systems in a collaborative team environment.

The role requires a solid foundation in chemistry, strong lab skills, and strict adherence to safety. This is a first-shift, onsite contract position with pay between $31.25 and $32.40 per hour, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or closely related field.
• 12 years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Experience with UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy, optical microscopy, SEC and thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex routine and non-routine analytical testing for polymers.
• Operate instruments and record data using notebooks and software.
• Report results with Excel and LIMS.
• Ensure safety procedures and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot chromatography instruments.
• Support lab organization and renovations.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory skills

Data recording

Excel

LIMS

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

Empower

LIMS

Job description

Job Title: Analytical ChemistJob Description

The Analytical Chemist will perform complex routine and non-routine analytical testing to characterize materials, with a strong focus on polymers. This role involves operating a wide range of laboratory instruments, accurately recording and processing data, and reporting results using digital systems. The position requires a solid foundation in chemistry, strong laboratory skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team while consistently following all safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and consistently act in a safe and responsible manner.
• Independently perform relatively complex routine and non-routine analytical methods, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and chromatography.
• Operate analytical instruments and laboratory equipment in accordance with established methods and protocols.
• Complete assigned testing and analytical work in a timely manner while meeting quality and accuracy standards.
• Record experimental details and results accurately using laboratory notebooks and computer software.
• Process and analyze data, ensuring reliability and integrity of results.
• Report analytical results clearly and reliably using Excel spreadsheets and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Assist with laboratory organization, including support for renovation activities and lab moves when needed.
• Apply basic chemical principles and understanding of the physical properties of polymer materials to interpret data and solve problems.
• Maintain neat, orderly, and well‑documented laboratory practices to support reproducible and high-quality work.
• Communicate findings and status updates effectively through clear oral and written communication.
• Learn new analytical methods quickly and apply them accurately in the laboratory.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while actively contributing to team goals and collaborative projects.
• Contribute to organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on objectives, and maintaining a strong focus on performance and safety.
• Build collaborative relationships within the laboratory and across teams to improve organizational capacity and capabilities.
• Help drive greater value for the business by understanding broader objectives and making informed, complex decisions related to analytical work.
• Troubleshoot chromatography instruments and other analytical equipment to maintain reliable operation.
• Perform wet chemistry procedures, thermal analysis, and basic thermal instrument maintenance as part of routine laboratory activities.

Essential Skills

• Basic understanding of general chemistry and organic chemistry.
• Experience working in a materials characterization laboratory performing standardized tests, including UV-vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and thermal analysis.
• Understanding of basic chemical principles and the physical properties of polymer materials.
• Strong laboratory skills with careful technique and attention to detail.
• Neat working habits and consistent adherence to good laboratory practices.
• Good oral and written communication skills for documenting work and sharing results.
• Ability to learn analytical methods quickly and apply them independently.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team efforts.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Experience using LIMS systems for data entry and result reporting.
• Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times.
• Ability to support business goals by understanding the broader context and making complex decisions in the laboratory.
• 12 years of experience working in an analytical laboratory environment.
• A bachelors degree in chemistry or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with UV-vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and size exclusion chromatography.
• Hands-on experience with microscopy techniques, including SEM (scanning electron microscopy).
• Experience performing thermal analysis and conducting thermal instrument maintenance.
• Previous experience working with Empower software for chromatography data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience in chromatography instrument troubleshooting to resolve operational issues.
• Experience with wet chemistry techniques in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and optimize diverse talent through positive communication and influence.
• Strong focus on performance, safety, and continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment, primarily on a first-shift schedule. The position involves regular use of analytical instruments such as UV-vis and infrared spectrometers, optical and electron microscopes, chromatography systems including size exclusion chromatography, and thermal analysis equipment. Work is performed at laboratory benches and instrumentation stations, with frequent handling of chemicals and polymer materials under standard lab safety protocols. The environment emphasizes organization, cleanliness, and adherence to safety procedures, with collaboration among scientists and technicians to support testing, lab organization, renovations, and occasional lab moves.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, DE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $32.40/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,DE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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 [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.