Chemsit II

Actalent; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

PTO

Job summary

Actalent in North Chicago, IL seeks a Chemist II to join our Materials Science team as a Particle Scientist. The role focuses on planning and executing particle characterization tasks and other physical analytical chemistry work to deliver precise, reliable data that meets regulatory requirements.

You will work onsite full-time, collaborate across formulation, analytical and process engineering, and present findings to wider teams.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Chemistry or related field with 5+ years lab experience, or MS with 2+ years.
• Experience in particulate matter characterization in pharma/biotech.
• Proficiency with particle analysis instruments listed (e.g., L.O., DLS, Flow Imaging).
• Experience with lyophilized or spray-dried products (peptides, lipids, or mRNA).
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements regarding particulate matter in pharmaceuticals.
• Strong documentation, problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute particle characterization tasks and other physical analytical chemistry tasks.
• Independently generate precise, reliable, and reproducible data and document per regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate experimental precision and interpret data with core discipline understanding.
• Collaborate with formulation, analytical, and process engineering to integrate particulate analysis.
• Ensure safety requirements are met and data delivered on time.
• Present findings of defined experiments to larger audiences.

Skills

Particulate characterization

Analytical chemistry

Documentation

Regulatory knowledge

Data interpretation

Teamwork

Problem solving

Laboratory safety

Education

BS/BA in Chemistry

MS in related field

Tools

Laser Obscuration

Dynamic Light Scattering

Flow Imaging

Laser Diffraction

FTIR/Raman

SEM/EDS

Optical Microscope

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Chemist II to join our team as a Material Scientist and Particle Scientist. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and executing particle characterization tasks, as well as other physical analytical chemistry tasks. Utilizing standard procedures and technical understanding, the Chemist II will generate precise, reliable, and reproducible data in a timely manner and document experiments according to regulatory requirements.

Job Title: Chemist II

We are seeking a highly skilled Chemist II to join our team as a Material Scientist and Particle Scientist. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and executing particle characterization tasks, as well as other physical analytical chemistry tasks. Utilizing standard procedures and technical understanding, the Chemist II will generate precise, reliable, and reproducible data in a timely manner and document experiments according to regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute assigned particle characterization tasks and other physical analytical chemistry tasks using standard procedures.
• Independently generate precise, reliable, and reproducible data, documenting experiments per regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate experimental precision and strong data interpretation skills with a solid understanding of core discipline.
• Collaborate with various functions such as formulation, analytical, and process engineering to integrate particulate analysis for finished dosage forms.
• Ensure safety requirements are met during task execution.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality, precise data.
• Apply basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and instrument-related systems.
• Present findings of defined experiments to larger audiences.

Essential Skills

• BS/BA in Chemistry, Material Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with minimum 5 years of lab experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry, or master's degree with minimum 2 years lab experience.
• Experience in particulate matter characterization and investigation within pharmaceutical, biotechnological, or relevant scientific environments.
• Proficiency in using analytical instruments relevant to visible and sub-visible particle characterization such as visual inspection, Laser Obscuration, Dynamic Light Scattering, Flow imaging, Laser Diffraction, optical microscope spectroscopy, FTIR/Raman, and Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy.
• Experience working with lyophilized and/or spray-dried pharmaceutical products, particularly with peptides, lipids, and/or mRNA.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements regarding particulate matter in pharmaceuticals.
• Strong documentation, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Research presentations/publications.
• Experience utilizing additional materials science techniques such as Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Dynamic Vapor Sorption, and Powder X-ray Diffraction.

Work Environment

This position requires full-time onsite work from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The role is temporary, lasting one year from the start date.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $36.00/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 position based out of North Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Chicago,IL.

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.