Biochemist

Actalent; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Biochemist/Biochemistry Analyst in Chesterfield, MO, to execute enzyme activity assays, optimize analytical methods, and deliver clear data to project teams. The role supports high-visibility enzyme product development in a modern lab and offers hands-on growth in a fast-paced scientific environment.

Ideal for an early-career scientist, the position emphasizes accuracy, collaboration, and ownership of analytical methods across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Experience performing analytical testing or assays in a lab setting.
• Track record in enzyme testing and assay troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs and maintain data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Perform enzyme activity assays to support product development.
• Execute time-sensitive laboratory methods with accuracy.
• Support method development and optimization efforts.
• Prepare samples, reagents and standards with precision.
• Operate UV-Vis spectrophotometry equipment and analyze data.

Skills

Enzyme activity assays

Method development

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Fluorescence spectrophotometry

Job description

Biochemist / Biochemistry Analyst Job Description This Biochemistry Analyst role supports enzyme product development by executing complex, time-sensitive enzyme activity assays, optimizing analytical methods, and delivering high-quality data to internal project teams. You will work independently in a modern laboratory environment, perform detailed analytical testing, and clearly communicate your findings to stakeholders. This position is ideal for an early-career scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, technical setting and is eager to learn, grow, and take ownership of critical analytical methods within a high-visibility project.

Responsibilities

• Perform enzyme activity assays and analytical testing to support enzyme product development and optimization projects.
• Execute complex, time-sensitive laboratory methods with a high degree of accuracy, precision, and attention to detail.
• Support method development, method optimization, and troubleshooting activities for current and next-generation enzyme products.
• Conduct experiments to optimize assay performance, including calibration curves and product recovery methods.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and standards using proper laboratory techniques and accurate pipetting practices.
• Operate UV-Vis spectrophotometry equipment to collect, interpret, and analyze experimental data.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in a clear, complete, and organized manner.
• Communicate analytical findings, trends, and observations to project teams and internal stakeholders in both written and verbal formats.
• Follow detailed laboratory methods and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and data integrity.
• Manage multiple priorities and experiments simultaneously while meeting project timelines and quality expectations.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to align analytical work with project objectives.
• Participate in troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts to enhance assay robustness and laboratory efficiency.

Essential Skills

• 12 years of industry or post-collegiate academic laboratory experience performing analytical testing or assays.
• Hands-on experience with enzyme testing or enzyme activity assays.
• Experience with method development, method optimization, or assay troubleshooting.
• Experience with UV-Vis spectrophotometry and/or fluorescence spectrophotometry.
• Experience performing timed or highly time-sensitive analytical assays.
• Proven ability to follow detailed laboratory methods and standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills in a laboratory setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting and presenting analytical results.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in laboratory-based biochemistry, including assay development and execution.
• Experience working with enzyme assays and enzyme activity assays in a research or development setting.
• Familiarity with R&D environments and supporting product development initiatives.
• Comfort working on high-visibility projects and taking ownership of critical analytical methods.
• Motivation to learn new techniques and contribute to method optimization and continuous improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with scientists and cross-functional team members.
• Interest in building a career in analytical biochemistry, enzyme technology, or related fields.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chesterfield, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chesterfield,MO.

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.