Entry Level Chemist

Actalent; New Brighton (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an R&D Chemist for our pharmaceutical research and development lab in New Brighton, MN. You will support analytical testing, formulation development, and solid-state characterization using instruments like HPLC, XRD, DSC, and TGA. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in a startup-style environment on a first-shift, 40-hour week.

Ideal candidates hold a B.S. in Chemistry with at least 6 months of lab experience and possess strong fundamentals in analytical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• At least 6 months of laboratory industry experience after completing a bachelor's degree.
• Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing support for the manufacture of prototype formulations across all stages of development.
• Perform physical testing of products, including disintegration, particle size analysis, and related evaluations.
• Conduct solid-state characterization using microscopy, XRD, DSC, and TGA.
• Execute chemical characterization methods, including assay, dissolution testing, and KF titration.
• Perform HPLC analysis and related analytical procedures to support R&D activities.
• Carry out sample preparation for analytical and solid-state characterization methods in accordance with protocols.
• Provide hands-on support for formulation development, including process optimization and scale-up activities.
• Adapt to changing project priorities and support multiple facets of the lab.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, tests, and results per lab standards.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

XRD

DSC

TGA

KF titration

Job description

R&D Chemist within Pharmaceuticals

Long-Term Opportunity | Day Shift Hours | Offers Instrumentation Experience

Job Description

The Chemist supports scientists in an analytical and research laboratory focused on pharmaceutical research and development. This role performs a variety of analytical techniques, including HPLC, dissolution testing, and solid-state characterization, while preparing samples and assisting with formulation development. As project priorities evolve, the Chemist adapts quickly to new tasks and gains cross-training across multiple areas of the lab, offering broad exposure to hands‑on R&D in a collaborative, start‑up style environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing support for the manufacture of prototype formulations across all stages of development.
• Perform physical testing of products, including disintegration, particle size analysis, and related evaluations.
• Conduct solid-state characterization using techniques such as microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
• Execute chemical characterization methods, including assay, dissolution testing, and Karl Fischer (KF) titration.
• Perform HPLC analysis and related analytical procedures to support research and development activities.
• Carry out sample preparation for analytical and solid-state characterization methods in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Provide hands‑on support for formulation development, including process optimization and scale‑up activities.
• Adapt to changing project priorities and take on new tasks as needed, supporting multiple facets of the laboratory.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, tests, and results in accordance with laboratory standards and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• At least 6 months of laboratory industry experience after completing a bachelors degree.
• Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory practices.

Work Environment

This role is based in an analytical and research laboratory with a strong emphasis on hands‑on pharmaceutical R&D, providing significant exposure to innovative formulation and analytical work. The team operates in a tight‑knit, start‑up style environment where individuals can make a visible impact and are motivated by directly contributing to company success. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and lab coats, is required when working in the lab. The position is a first-shift, MondayFriday role with a standard 40-hour workweek. Start times are flexible, but work must be performed during core business hours, typically between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Brighton,MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $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 17, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New Brighton,MN.

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.