Method Development Chemist

Actalent; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Actalent in Lake Zurich, IL invites an experienced Method Development Chemist to lead analytical method development and validation for chemical compounds, including LC-MS and HPLC. You will guide routine analysts, review data, and interpret results independently.

You will write and review SOPs/STPs, set up instrumentation, perform data entry, and participate in quality investigations. This contract-to-hire role is onsite with competitive hourly pay and benefits eligibility.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in chemistry or related science with 3–5 years in HPLC and method development.
• Advanced degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for LC-MS and HPLC.
• Provide troubleshooting guidance for routine analysts.
• Write and review SOPs and STPs.
• Enter data accurately and efficiently.
• Oversee equipment operation and maintenance.
• Stay updated on new methods and perform data reviews.

Skills

HPLC

LC-MS

Method development

Data interpretation

Education

BA/BS in Chemistry

Job description

Job Title: Method Development Chemist

Job Description

We are seeking a Method Development Chemist who will focus on the analytical method development and validation of chemical compounds. The ideal candidate will provide guidance to routine analysts, conduct routine analysis across analytical departments, and offer data review and interpretation independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for chemical compounds for LC-MS and HPLC.

• Provide troubleshooting guidance and answer methodology questions for routine analysts.

• Perform routine analysis in any analytical department.

• Independently review and interpret data.

• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Test Procedures (STPs).

• Enter data accurately and efficiently.

• Solve instrument and analytical problems, and contribute to process improvements.

• Conduct Quality Assurance investigations independently.

• Set up new instrumentation and procedures for specialized or non-routine analyses.

• Oversee the operation, supply levels, and repair of all equipment and instrumentation.

• Stay updated on current and new methods in the field.

• Perform statistical analyses on quality control samples to ensure compliance.

• Ensure work quality and quantity meet laboratory benchmarks.

• Follow safety requirements, including the use of safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats.

• Meet IDC sample requirements.

• Adhere to company procedures and policies.

• Participate in ongoing laboratory skills inventory.

• Achieve turnaround times as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BA/BS in chemistry or a related science field with 3-5 years of experience, preferably in HPLC and method development.

• Advanced degree preferred but not required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Zurich, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $43.27/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 Lake Zurich,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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.

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.