Pharmaceutical Chemist – R&D & Analytical Testing

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

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Chemist to support analytical and research activities in a pharmaceutical R&D lab in Minneapolis. You will perform HPLC analyses, dissolution testing, and solid‑state characterization to help develop prototype formulations across stages.

The role emphasizes hands‑on testing, cross‑training across formulation development, and adapting to changing project priorities in a collaborative startup‑style team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field required.
• Minimum 6 months of post‑college laboratory experience.
• Hands‑on analytical chemistry in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to perform HPLC testing or solid foundation in HPLC principles.
• Experience with dissolution testing in a lab environment.
• Basic understanding of pharmaceutical laboratory practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow test methods.
• Ability to work well in a small, collaborative team.
• Willingness to adapt quickly to changing project priorities.
• Experience with solid‑state characterization techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists by performing analytical testing in a pharma R&D lab.
• Perform HPLC analyses to support method development and routine testing.
• Conduct dissolution testing and other analytical methods on prototypes.
• Provide testing support for prototype formulation manufacture across development stages.
• Perform physical testing including disintegration and particle size analysis.
• Carry out solid‑state characterization via microscopy, XRD, DSC, and TGA.
• Execute chemical characterization methods such as assay, dissolution, KF moisture analysis.
• Prepare samples for analytical and solid‑state testing per lab procedures.
• Provide hands‑on support for formulation development, process optimization, and scale‑up.
• Adapt to changing project priorities and shift focus as needed.
• Maintain accurate lab records of methods, observations, and results.
• Follow safety practices and SOPs for chemicals, instruments, and equipment.

Skills

Post-college lab experience

Analytical chemistry techniques

HPLC testing

Dissolution testing

Pharmaceutical lab practices

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Adaptability to priorities

Solid-state basics

HPLC instrumentation

XRD/DSC/TGA familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC instrumentation

XRD/DSC/TGA basics

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Chemist to support analytical and research activities in a pharmaceutical R&D lab in Minneapolis. You will perform HPLC analyses, dissolution testing, and solid‑state characterization to help develop prototype formulations across stages.

The role emphasizes hands‑on testing, cross‑training across formulation development, and adapting to changing project priorities in a collaborative startup‑style team.