Analytical Chemist II

Actalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Onsite lab facilities

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Analytical Chemist II in Chicago, IL, to perform advanced analytical testing in a fast-paced lab. The role emphasizes chromatography, wet chemistry, data interpretation, and clear reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

You will work with GC/LC systems, support method development, and collaborate across R&D, QC, and sales to achieve project goals while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry or closely related field.
• Experience in analytical chemistry with chromatography.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot chromatography instruments.
• Strong data handling and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of GMP or quality systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing for R&D, QA, and projects.
• Operate and maintain GC and LC instruments and troubleshoot.
• Support method validation and optimization.
• Conduct sensory evaluations as needed for flavor/fragrance projects.
• Document results and maintain traceable records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Chromatography

Data interpretation

Technical report writing

Collaboration across teams

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

GC-FID

GC-MS

LC-MS

HPLC-UV

HPLC-RI

HPLC/MS

SPME

Headspace techniques

Thermal desorption

Job description

Job Title: Analytical Chemist IIJob Description

The Analytical Chemist II performs advanced analytical testing and research, including sample preparation, operation of analytical instrumentation, data analysis, and interpretation. This role prepares clear technical reports and communicates results to internal and external stakeholders. The position requires strong technical expertise in chromatography and wet chemistry, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical research and testing for research, development, and quality control projects, including method selection, sample preparation, instrumentation operation, data analysis, interpretation, reporting, and communication of results.

• Operate, maintain, and assist with troubleshooting chromatographic instrumentation, including GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC-MS systems.

• Support method optimization and validation, chromatographic analysis, and sampling techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of analytical methods.

• Conduct organoleptic evaluations as determined by project teams and the Sensory Department, contributing to flavor and fragrance assessment as needed.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and customer-facing project teams to support project objectives and resolve technical questions.

• Create, organize, and maintain paper and electronic product folders to ensure accurate documentation and traceability of analytical work and results.

• Maintain and order laboratory supplies, inventory, and equipment consumables to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment by following internal safety guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Support quality, food safety, and compliance programs, including GMPs, HACCP, SQF, Kosher, Halal, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, DEA, and FSMA, as well as other relevant regulatory and certification standards.

• Apply wet chemistry techniques and general chemical laboratory practices in support of analytical and research activities.

• Use laboratory software and data systems to collect, process, and archive analytical data, ensuring accuracy and integrity of records.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, or a closely related scientific field.

• 35 years of related analytical chemistry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in analytical chemistry within a laboratory environment, including chromatography and wet chemistry techniques.

• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting chromatographic and laboratory instrumentation, including GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC-UV, HPLC-RI, HPLC/MS, SPME, headspace techniques, and thermal desorption systems.

• Strong technical skills in chromatography, including method development, optimization, and data interpretation.

• Working knowledge of laboratory software and Microsoft Office applications for data processing, reporting, and documentation.

• Ability to analyze complex data sets, interpret results accurately, and prepare clear, concise technical reports.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and data integrity.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Understanding of GMP and other quality and regulatory frameworks relevant to food, flavor, fragrance, or related industries.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the flavor or fragrance industry is preferred; experience in pharmaceutical environments from the nutritional side is also valued.

• Experience with ChemStation, MassHunter, and NIST software platforms is preferred.

• Familiarity with organoleptic and sensory evaluation practices for flavor and fragrance products.

• Knowledge of food safety and quality systems such as HACCP, SQF, Kosher, Halal, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, DEA, and FSMA compliance programs.

• Ability to manage laboratory inventory, supplies, and consumables efficiently.

• Strong organizational skills for maintaining product folders and laboratory documentation in both paper and electronic formats.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, Monday through Friday, first-shift position with a slightly flexible start time to accommodate reasonable scheduling needs. The role is based in a laboratory environment that focuses on both flavor and fragrance samples, requiring careful handling of chemical materials and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines. The laboratory emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and safe operating practices, with regular use of advanced chromatographic and analytical instrumentation such as GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC systems. Team members work closely with R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and sensory groups in a collaborative, project-driven setting. Standard professional laboratory attire is expected, including appropriate personal protective equipment as required by safety protocols.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $47.00/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 Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

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.