Chemist

Actalent; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account

Job summary

Actalent seeks a QC Chemist to perform analytical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products in a chemistry laboratory setting in Elgin, IL. The role emphasizes GC/FTIR methods, GLP/GDP compliance, and regular documentation of results.

The position is contract-to-hire, on-site, with a first-shift schedule and potential overtime. A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and 1–5 years in a chemical lab are preferred, with experience in FDA-regulated environments considered a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field required.
• 1–5 years in a lab or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Experience in FDA-regulated or cGMP environment preferred.
• Proficiency with GC systems and associated analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical, chemical, and analytical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods using GC, FTIR, wet chemistry.
• Follow established laboratory methods, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliant testing.
• Document testing observations, calculations, and results per GLP, GDP, and company procedures.
• Maintain neat, accurate laboratory records for traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments per established procedures.
• Review laboratory data for accuracy and communicate results to the Sr. Chemist and quality/production teams.
• Perform stability testing of OTC and consumer products to support shelf-life and quality.
• Conduct investigations and troubleshooting related to materials, formulations, and processes and communicate findings.

Skills

GC operation

Analytical testing

GLP/GDP knowledge

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

FTIR

Wet chemistry

Job description

Job Description The Chemist performs laboratory testing and analytical activities to support the manufacturing, quality, and development of chemical and consumer products. This role focuses on testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using established laboratory methods and procedures. The Chemist generates accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory data, maintains laboratory equipment and records, and supports investigations and troubleshooting activities. The position collaborates closely with Laboratory, Quality, Production, and other functional areas to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient manufacturing operations.

Job Title: QC ChemistJob Description The Chemist performs laboratory testing and analytical activities to support the manufacturing, quality, and development of chemical and consumer products. This role focuses on testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using established laboratory methods and procedures. The Chemist generates accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory data, maintains laboratory equipment and records, and supports investigations and troubleshooting activities. The position collaborates closely with Laboratory, Quality, Production, and other functional areas to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient manufacturing operations.

• Perform physical, chemical, and analytical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods using Gas Chromatography (GC), FTIR, wet chemistry, and other established laboratory techniques.
• Follow established laboratory methods, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements to ensure consistent and compliant testing.
• Accurately document laboratory testing, observations, calculations, and results in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Documentation Practice (GDP), company procedures, and applicable requirements.
• Maintain neat, accurate, complete, and timely laboratory records and documentation to support traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare reagents and standardize volumetric solutions as required to support routine and special testing.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Review laboratory data for accuracy and completeness and communicate results promptly to the appropriate departments.
• Perform stability testing of over-the-counter (OTC), consumer, and other company products to support shelf-life and quality assessments.
• Perform investigative testing as directed and communicate findings to the Sr. Chemist, Laboratory leadership, Quality, or other appropriate personnel.
• Conduct investigations and technical troubleshooting related to raw materials, formulations, manufacturing processes, and finished product quality.
• Execute method verification, method transfers, and qualification of laboratory instruments as assigned.
• Author, review, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other critical laboratory documentation to ensure operational compliance.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, ensuring continuous availability of chemicals, reagents, certified reference standards, and essential supplies.
• Support laboratory projects, product development activities, and process improvement initiatives in collaboration with laboratory staff.
• Assist with laboratory research and testing associated with product or chemistry changes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory work environment in accordance with safety and housekeeping standards.
• Identify and communicate laboratory issues, unexpected results, equipment concerns, or testing deviations to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Collaborate effectively with Laboratory, Quality, Production, and other departments to support overall manufacturing and quality objectives.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• 1–5 years of experience in a laboratory, chemical manufacturing, analytical chemistry, or related environment.
• Experience in an FDA-regulated or cGMP environment preferred.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining Gas Chromatography (GC) systems, including hands‑on GC experience.
• Ability to perform laboratory testing accurately and consistently using established methods and procedures.

Work Environment The role is based in a chemistry laboratory environment that supports manufacturing and quality operations. The Chemist works primarily on‑site in a first‑shift schedule, typically from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position includes rotating Saturday coverage with other laboratory staff, which may involve overtime. The work involves regular use of analytical instruments such as Gas Chromatography (GC), FTIR, and other laboratory equipment, as well as handling chemicals, reagents, and reference standards. The laboratory emphasizes a clean, organized, and safe workspace, with adherence to GLP, GDP, and cGMP practices. The environment is collaborative, with frequent interaction with Laboratory, Quality, and Production teams to support efficient and compliant manufacturing operations.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.

Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 Elgin, IL.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.

Actalent 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.