Analytical Chemist- Method Development

Actalent; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off/Leave (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Food Analytical Chemist in Kansas City, MO to generate high‑quality analytical data for food safety and product quality. You will work with advanced instrumentation and complex matrices in a collaborative, quality‑driven setting.

You’ll perform sample prep and analysis using HPLC, LC‑MS/MS, GC‑MS, and ICP‑MS, applying AOAC/USP/AACC methods. Strong data interpretation and documentation are essential for defensible results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry or analytical chemistry with relevant experience.
• Hands-on analytical chemistry with method development experience.
• Experience applying validated methods such as AOAC/USP/AACC.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample prep, extraction, digestion, and testing on diverse food matrices.
• Operate HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS and other MS platforms.
• Apply validated methods per AOAC/USP/AACC and interpret data for validity.
• Maintain documentation, data processing, and records with LabSolutions.
• Troubleshoot methods and instruments to improve performance and quality.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Data interpretation

Troubleshooting

AOAC/USP/AACC methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Master's degree in analytical chemistry

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS

ICP-MS

LabSolutions

Job description

Job Title: Food Analytical Chemist

Job Description

This hands‑on Food Analytical Chemist role focuses on generating high‑quality analytical data that supports food safety, product quality, and innovation. You will work with advanced instrumentation and complex food matrices to deliver meaningful scientific insights to internal stakeholders and clients. This opportunity is ideal for an analytical chemist who thrives in a laboratory environment, enjoys troubleshooting sophisticated instruments, and is motivated to contribute to continuous improvement in a collaborative, quality‑driven setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample preparation, extraction, digestion, and analytical testing on a wide variety of routine and complex food matrices.

• Utilize advanced analytical instrumentation including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and other mass spectrometry platforms to conduct analytical testing.

• Apply and execute validated analytical methods based on industry standards, including AOAC, USP, and AACC methodologies.

• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate analytical data to ensure accurate, reliable, and defensible results.

• Use LabSolutions and other laboratory data systems for data acquisition, data processing, reporting, and record management.

• Troubleshoot analytical methods, instrumentation issues, and sample preparation processes to resolve technical challenges and improve overall performance.

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and preventative maintenance on laboratory instrumentation to ensure optimal operation.

• Support laboratory operations across multiple testing areas and provide coverage during team absences as needed.

• Partner with cross‑functional teams, including Quality, IT, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service, to support client needs and laboratory objectives.

• Maintain organized laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with applicable quality and regulatory requirements.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, data quality, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction.

• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.

• Ensure all testing activities comply with ISO quality standards and established laboratory procedures.

• Review laboratory documentation, equipment logs, bench sheets, and quality records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• Participate in investigations involving out‑of‑specification (OOS) results, including root cause analyses, corrective actions, and other quality‑related initiatives.

• Support ongoing efforts to enhance laboratory quality systems, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or analytical chemistry with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree in chemistry or analytical chemistry with at least 3 years of relevant experience.

• Hands‑on experience in analytical chemistry, including method development.

• Proficiency with mass spectrometry techniques and platforms.

• Practical experience operating and interpreting data from HPLC and GC systems.

• Ability to work effectively with complex food matrices and apply appropriate analytical methodologies.

• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret and evaluate results for accuracy and defensibility.

• Experience applying validated analytical methods based on AOAC, USP, and AACC or similar industry standards.

• Capability to troubleshoot analytical methods, instrumentation, and sample preparation processes.

• Ability to perform routine maintenance, calibration, and preventative maintenance on analytical instruments.

• Competence using laboratory data systems, including LabSolutions, for data acquisition, processing, reporting, and record management.

• Solid understanding of ISO quality standards and laboratory quality systems.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for maintaining accurate laboratory documentation and quality records.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills to convey technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the food or pharmaceutical industry is a plus.

• Comfort working in cross‑functional teams and collaborating with Quality, IT, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and data quality.

• Ability to participate in and contribute to investigations of out‑of‑specification results, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.

• Strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving technical and operational challenges.

• Interest in professional growth and development within an innovative, quality‑focused laboratory environment.

• Access to really good health benefits and an employee bonus program.

• Eligibility for competitive compensation and potential growth opportunities within the organization.

Work Environment

This position is based in an indoor, temperature‑controlled office or laboratory facility. The standard shift is Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00/9:00 a.m. to 4:00/5:00 p.m., with the possibility of transitioning to a Tuesday through Saturday schedule in the future. The role may require the use of hearing protection and other personal protective equipment as necessary, consistent with laboratory safety practices. The work involves a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, as well as manual dexterity for handling samples and operating instruments. You must be able to see details at close range, listen to and understand spoken information, communicate effectively verbally, read and comprehend written materials, and communicate information and ideas in writing so that others will understand. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, organization, and adherence to laboratory procedures and quality standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $42.00/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 Kansas City,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.