Quality Control Chemist

Actalent; Ballwin (MO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Control Chemist in Ballwin, MO to perform analytical testing on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, and dissolution methods. The role emphasizes GMP/GDP, data integrity, and collaboration within a growing lab team.

You will support method development, transfer, validation, and stability testing while maintaining compliant documentation and instrument readiness in a fully onsite environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of pharmaceutical quality control lab experience.
• Experience with USP testing and compendial methods.
• GMP/GDP and data integrity knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, dissolution, and other lab instrumentation to evaluate materials and products.
• Execute USP compendial testing of raw materials, in-process samples, intermediates, and finished products.
• Review, interpret, and document test results complying with GMP, GDP and data integrity requirements.
• Prepare samples and reagents; perform wet chemistry and ensure proper instrument setup.
• Support method verification, transfer, and troubleshooting for client-sponsored and internal projects.
• Assist in method development, optimization, robustness, and documentation of procedures.
• Participate in validation activities and documentation of data; support continuous improvements.
• Contribute to stability studies by scheduled testing and trend monitoring.
• Collaborate with a team to handle all lab duties, including prep, testing, reporting and cleanup.
• Maintain lab documentation and electronic records clearly and compliantly.
• Ensure instruments are calibrated and used per SOPs.
• Follow safety and GLP/GMP practices and keep workspace organized.
• Communicate results, deviations, issues, and improvement opportunities to team.

Skills

QC laboratory experience

Analytical instruments

USP methods

GMP/GDP and data integrity

Pharma materials testing

Analytical chemistry

Troubleshooting methods/instruments

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Multitasking in QC

Problem-solving

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS acceptable

Tools

HPLC

GC

FTIR

UV-Vis

Dissolution testing

Job description

Job Title: Quality Control Chemist

Job Description

The Quality Control Chemist performs analytical testing to ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of raw materials, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products. This role focuses on executing USP compendial methods, operating a range of analytical instruments, and maintaining accurate documentation in alignment with GMP, GDP, and regulatory expectations. The chemist also supports method verification, transfer, troubleshooting, and development activities within a collaborative laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, dissolution, and other laboratory instrumentation to evaluate pharmaceutical materials and products.

• Execute USP compendial testing of raw materials, in-process samples, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products in accordance with established procedures.

• Review, interpret, and document test results accurately and promptly in compliance with GMP, GDP, and data integrity requirements.

• Prepare samples and reagents, perform wet chemistry and analytical chemistry techniques, and ensure proper setup of instruments prior to testing.

• Support method verification, method transfer, and method troubleshooting activities for client-sponsored and internal projects.

• Assist in method development activities by contributing to optimization, robustness assessments, and documentation of analytical procedures.

• Participate in validation activities, including execution of validation protocols, documentation of data, and support for continuous improvement initiatives.

• Contribute to stability studies by performing scheduled testing, documenting results, and monitoring trends as required.

• Collaborate closely with a team of chemists to handle all laboratory responsibilities, including setup, preparation, testing, result generation, and clean-up.

• Maintain laboratory documentation, logbooks, and electronic records in a clear, complete, and compliant manner.

• Ensure instruments are properly maintained, calibrated, and used in accordance with standard operating procedures.

• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient work area.

• Communicate effectively with team members and quality leadership regarding test results, deviations, issues, and improvement opportunities.

Essential Skills

• 35+ years of pharmaceutical quality control laboratory experience.

• Hands-on experience operating HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, and dissolution testing instruments.

• Proficiency with USP methodologies and compendial testing for pharmaceutical products.

• Working knowledge of GMP regulations, laboratory documentation practices, and data integrity requirements.

• Experience testing raw materials, in-process samples, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products.

• Strong analytical chemistry and wet chemistry skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation effectively.

• Bachelors degree (BS) in Chemistry or a related science discipline; MS is acceptable.

• Experience supporting method development, method transfer, or validation activities.

• Experience within a CDMO, CRO, compounding pharmacy, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Exposure to sterile pharmaceutical products and/or solid oral dosage forms.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and compliant documentation.

• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a laboratory team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree in Chemistry or related scientific field is acceptable and considered an asset.

• Experience working in a newer or expanding laboratory environment.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within a quality control setting.

• Comfort working with a mix of older and newer analytical instrumentation.

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced QC laboratory.

• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to support cross-functional projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ballwin, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $31.25/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 Ballwin,MO.

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.