Analytical Chemist II

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Analytical Chemist II in San Diego, onsite, to develop and transfer analytical methods for oligonucleotides and reagents, while supporting synthesis and quality testing. You will operate HPLC/UHPLC and LC-MS, analyze data, and ensure GMP compliance.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D, with opportunities to advance analytical techniques and contribute to product quality and manufacturing success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 3+ years of analytical method development experience in a regulated lab.
• Experience with method qualification, validation, and transfer.
• Hands-on expertise with HPLC/UHPLC operation, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Experience with LC-MS instrumentation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide testing, characterization, and QC processes.
• Experience with UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR techniques.
• Strong technical writing skills for protocols, reports, SOPs, and docs.
• Familiarity with FDA cGMP, ICH, USP, GMP, GDP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, validate, and transfer analytical methods for oligonucleotides, raw materials, and reagents.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain HPLC/UHPLC and LC-MS systems.
• Support oligonucleotide synthesis, release testing, and quality testing.
• Characterize materials using UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR.
• Analyze complex data and provide scientifically sound conclusions.
• Investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare protocols, validation reports, transfer reports, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GDP, FDA cGMP, ICH, USP requirements.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D on multiple projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical methods and lab efficiency.

Skills

HPLC/UHPLC operation

LC-MS analysis

Data interpretation

Technical writing

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC/UHPLC

LC-MS

UV-Vis

FTIR

NMR

Job description

Analytical Chemist II

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist II to join our Analytical Method Development & Transfer team in San Diego. In this role, you will support the development, qualification, validation, and transfer of analytical methods for oligonucleotides, raw materials, and reagent consumables used in advanced genomics and sequencing applications.

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience with HPLC/UHPLC, LC-MS, and analytical method development in a regulated environment. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate across manufacturing, quality, and development teams, and directly contribute to product quality and manufacturing success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, qualify, validate, and transfer analytical methods for oligonucleotides, raw materials, and reagent consumables.

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain analytical instrumentation, including HPLC/UHPLC and LC-MS systems.

• Support oligonucleotide synthesis, release testing, quality testing, and analytical characterization activities.

• Utilize UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR techniques for material characterization and routine testing.

• Analyze complex datasets and provide scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations.

• Investigate analytical issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

• Author and review technical documents including protocols, validation reports, transfer reports, SOPs, and work instructions.

• Ensure compliance with GMP, GDP, FDA cGMP, ICH, and USP requirements.

• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D teams to support multiple projects and timelines.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance analytical methods, laboratory efficiency, and product quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

• 3+ years of analytical method development experience in a regulated laboratory environment.

• Experience with analytical method qualification, validation, and transfer.

• Strong hands-on expertise with HPLC/UHPLC operation, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.

• Experience with LC-MS instrumentation and analytical data analysis.

• Knowledge of oligonucleotide testing, characterization, and quality control processes.

• Experience using analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR.

• Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing protocols, reports, SOPs, and related documentation.

• Working knowledge of FDA cGMP, ICH, USP, GMP, and GDP requirements.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while working independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Analytical Method Development and Transfer groups.

• GMP experience within biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with genomics, sequencing technologies, or nucleic acid-based products.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex analytical challenges.

• Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to operational excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Work with innovative genomics and sequencing technologies.

• Collaborate with highly skilled cross-functional teams.

• Gain exposure to advanced analytical instrumentation and methodologies.

• Make a direct impact on product quality and manufacturing success.

• Opportunities for professional growth and long-term career development.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite laboratory position based in San Diego, CA. The role follows a typical Monday-Friday daytime schedule and involves hands-on work with advanced analytical instruments including HPLC/UHPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR. The environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and focused on delivering high-quality scientific results in support of commercial manufacturing and product development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.