Chemist, Pharmaceutical Development

Actalent; Shawnee (KS); On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Chemist for the Analytical Development team in Shawnee, KS. The role focuses on analytical method development, validation, transfer, troubleshooting, and ensuring cGMP compliance for drug substances and finished products.

Responsibilities include designing/performing method validation, supporting cleaning validation, and maintaining audit-ready laboratory records. Requires GMP lab experience and proficiency with HPLC and GC.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Hands-on GMP-regulated lab experience.
• Experience interpreting USP/EP/JP standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for APIs and dosage forms.
• Perform routine/non-routine analysis using HPLC/GC and report results.
• Design validation/transfer protocols and contribute to technical reports.
• Maintain compliant lab records per cGMP/GLP and data integrity expectations.

Skills

GMP compliance

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelors/Masters/PhD in Chemistry or related

Tools

HPLC

GC

Job description

Chemist - Pharmaceutical Method Development (small-molecules)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Chemist to join the Analytical Development team supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control. This role focuses on analytical method development, method validation, method transfer, and technical troubleshooting to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of drug substances and finished products. The position requires strong technical aptitude, excellent documentation skills, and the ability to work within a cGMP compliant environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Analytical Method Development & Validation

• Develop, optimize, and qualify analytical methods for evaluating identity, purity, potency, and stability of APIs and finished dosage forms.

• Design and execute method validation and method transfer protocols; contribute to drafting technical reports.

• Support and execute cleaning validation studies, including protocol development and report writing.

• Interpret and apply compendial standards (USP, EP, JP) in method development and routine testing.

Analytical Testing & Instrumentation

• Perform routine and non-routine analysis on raw materials, in process samples, and finished products.

• Conduct HPLC and GC testing; prepare standards, reagents, and sample solutions per approved methodologies.

• Operate and troubleshoot analytical instruments; support calibration and maintenance activities.

• Maintain complete and compliant laboratory records in alignment with cGMP, GLP, and data integrity expectations.

Technical Writing & Quality Compliance

• Write and revise SOPs, test methods, protocols, laboratory reports, and other technical documents.

• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all laboratory activities.

• Utilize root cause analysis tools to investigate deviations or laboratory issues; independently conduct and document laboratory investigations.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes and compliance practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.

• Hands on experience in an GMP regulated analytical or pharmaceutical laboratory environment.

• Proficiency with HPLC and GC instrumentation and related data systems.

• Strong understanding of cGMP, GLP, and regulatory expectations (FDA/ICH).

• Experience developing and validating analytical methods required.

• Ability to interpret and apply pharmacopeial standards (USP/EP/JP).

• Exclusive biologics experience will not be relevant for this role.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Shawnee, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $53.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Shawnee, KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Shawnee,KS.

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.