Analytical Lab Specialist – Metals & Minerals

Actalent; Marion (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent in Marion, IN seeks an analytical professional to operate ICP-OES/ICP-MS and XRD, support SOPs, and ensure QC in a hands-on laboratory setting. The role involves method development, calibration prep, and data reporting within a fast-paced environment.

The position is a Contract to Hire, onsite in Marion, with day shifts and potential Saturdays. Benefits include comprehensive medical and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1–2+ years of experience operating ICP-OES/ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, and XRD, or UV-Vis.
• Experience in a quality control laboratory.
• Practical experience with sample digestion techniques for inorganic analysis.
• Experience with trace metals analysis, calibration curves, and CRMs.
• Solid understanding of statistics as applied to quality control and method validation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to work independently under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all work areas.
• Support the drafting of SOPs for equipment and processes.
• Actively participate in safety meetings and identify workplace hazards.
• Operate and maintain ICP-OES/ICP-MS equipment for metals determination.
• Operate XRD equipment for identification and quantification of mineralogical phases.
• Support complementary analyses using XRF, Mastersizer, or other techniques as needed.
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for new process matrices or prototype materials.
• Prepare and verify calibration standards, curves, and certified reference materials.
• Perform calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation.
• Interpret, validate, and report analytical results in the LIMS.
• Support root cause investigations and nonconformance analysis through detailed analytical characterization.
• Provide technical oversight of junior technicians in sample and solution preparation.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, analysis turnaround, and instrument reliability.
• Support external audits as needed.

Skills

ICP-OES/ICP-MS

Atomic Absorption

XRD

UV-Vis

Quality control

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

XRF

Mastersizer

Job description

Actalent in Marion, IN seeks an analytical professional to operate ICP-OES/ICP-MS and XRD, support SOPs, and ensure QC in a hands-on laboratory setting. The role involves method development, calibration prep, and data reporting within a fast-paced environment.

The position is a Contract to Hire, onsite in Marion, with day shifts and potential Saturdays. Benefits include comprehensive medical and retirement options.