Analytical Chemist II

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

Job summary

Actalent in Northbrook, IL is seeking an Analytical Chemist II to perform advanced analytical testing and research supporting R&D and quality control. The role emphasizes chromatography and wet chemistry, data interpretation, and clear reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities include operating GC-FID/GC-MS/LC-MS/HPLC-MS, method optimization, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet project timelines, while maintaining a compliant and organized laboratory

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree required in chemistry or related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with chromatographic and wet chemistry techniques.
• Proficient in operating GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC-UV, HPLC-RI, HPLC/MS and related systems.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation and accurate reporting skills.
• Familiarity with laboratory software and MS Office.
• Ability to maintain safe, compliant lab environment and follow GMP/HACCP/SQF/EPA/FSMA guidelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical research and testing for R&D and QC projects, including method development, sample prep, data analysis and reporting.
• Operate and troubleshoot GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC-MS systems; support method optimization.
• Conduct organoleptic evaluations as directed by project teams and Sensory Department.
• Collaborate with R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation and customer teams to align analytical work with timelines.
• Maintain documentation and traceability of all analytical work in paper and electronic folders.
• Manage lab supplies and equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness and regulatory compliance in the lab.
• Support GMPs, HACCP, SQF, Kosher/Halal, FDA/USDA/EPA/DOT/DEA/FSMA programs as applicable.
• Apply wet chemistry and chromatographic methods to flavor samples and related materials.
• Utilize lab software to capture, process and archive data according to procedures.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analyt

35 years of experience

Chromatography & wet chemistry

Lab software & MS Office

Data analysis & reporting

Safety & regulatory practices

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

ChemStation

MassHunter

NIST software

Job description

Job Title: Analytical Chemist II

Job Description

The Analytical Chemist II performs advanced analytical testing and research to support internal projects and quality control activities. This role involves method selection, sample preparation, operation of analytical instrumentation, data analysis and interpretation, report preparation, and clear communication of 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 R&D and quality control projects, including method selection, sample preparation, instrumentation operation, data analysis, data 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, including chromatographic analysis and sampling techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of test methods.

• Conduct organoleptic evaluations as directed by project teams and the Sensory Department.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and customer-facing project teams, to align analytical work with project objectives and timelines.

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

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

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

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

• Apply wet chemistry techniques and chromatographic methods to analyze flavor samples and related materials.

• Use laboratory software and data systems to capture, process, and archive analytical data in accordance with internal procedures.

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.

• Hands-on experience 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.

• Strong technical proficiency in chromatography and wet chemistry techniques.

• Working knowledge of laboratory software and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and report complex analytical data with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment and follow established safety and regulatory guidelines.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the flavor or fragrance industry is preferred; experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a nutritional focus may also be considered.

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

• Familiarity with quality, food safety, and compliance frameworks such as GMPs, HACCP, SQF, Kosher, Halal, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, DEA, and FSMA.

• Ability to participate in organoleptic and sensory evaluations for flavor and fragrance products.

• Strong organizational skills for managing product folders, documentation, and inventory.

• Comfort working on multiple projects simultaneously and collaborating with R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and customer-facing teams.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, Monday through Friday first-shift position with a slightly flexible start time. Work is performed in a laboratory environment focused on both flavor and fragrance samples, utilizing a range of chromatographic and analytical instruments such as GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC-UV, HPLC-RI, and HPLC/MS, as well as SPME, headspace, and thermal desorption techniques. The role involves routine use of laboratory software, specialized analytical platforms, and standard office applications. The laboratory operates under established safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines, with an emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and adherence to good manufacturing and laboratory practices.

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Northbrook,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.