R&d Chemist

Actalent; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced R&D Chemist to support a chemical manufacturing operation. You will perform analytical testing, assist with product formulation and process adjustments, and ensure materials meet specifications in a collaborative lab and production setting.

The role focuses on maintaining quality standards, reviewing test results, and contributing to continuous improvement. A hands-on, detail-oriented approach and strong communication will help drive product performance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field.
• 2–3 years in R&D or formulation in chemical or food manufacturing.
• Experience with wet chemistry tests (titrations, pH, viscosity, density).
• Quality control/assurance experience in manufacturing or lab.
• Ability to read and interpret safety and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports documenting work.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Proactive, process-driven, and organized.
• Team-oriented with ability to collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing on production batches, raw materials, and products.
• Maintain laboratory database and documentation for traceability.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing by reviewing test results and advising on formulations.
• Prepare certificates of analysis for customers.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepare sample batches for customers and sales team.
• Conduct stability testing on lab and manufacturing samples.
• Coordinate with outside labs for external testing and integrate results.
• Verify label accuracy against formulations and regulatory requirements.
• Read and implement safety and operating procedures in daily work.
• Write routine test reports and observations.
• Perform basic calculations and data analysis for testing and formulations.
• Support quality control/assurance processes to ensure compliance.
• Organize lab workflows and maintain well-documented testing/sample management.
• Collaborate with a small lab team to share knowledge and training.

Skills

Wet chemistry tests

Quality control

Data integrity

Titrations

pH measurements

Laboratory documentation

Analytical calculations

Detail oriented

Proactive work style

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

pH meters

Viscosity tester

Density measurement

Titration equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Are you a hands-on chemist who enjoys formulation development, analytical testing, and solving real-world manufacturing challenges? Join a growing team where you'll play a key role in product development, quality assurance, and process optimization while working in a modern laboratory environment. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your technical expertise, contribute directly to product performance, and grow your career alongside experienced industry professionals.

Job Description

This R&D Chemist role focuses on supporting a chemical manufacturing operation by performing analytical testing, maintaining laboratory quality standards, and assisting with product formulation and process adjustments. You will work with a variety of products, contribute to both laboratory and production activities, and play a key role in ensuring that all materials meet specifications and customer requirements in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products using methods such as pH measurement, viscosity testing, density measurement, solids determination, titrations, degree measurements, flash point testing, and other wet chemistry analyses.
• Manage and maintain the laboratory database for samples, production retains, and production documentation, ensuring accurate records and traceability.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing by reviewing test results and offering guidance on adjusting batch formulations when products fall outside of specifications.
• Prepare certificates of analysis for customers upon request, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and operations equipment to known standards, and document all calibration and maintenance activities.
• Prepare sample batches for customers and the sales team, following established formulations and procedures.
• Conduct stability testing on laboratory and manufacturing samples to evaluate product performance over time.
• Communicate with outside laboratories to coordinate external testing, interpret results, and integrate findings into internal documentation.
• Serve as a resource for correct product label confirmation, verifying that labels match formulations and regulatory requirements.
• Read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, and apply this knowledge in daily laboratory and production support activities.
• Write routine reports and correspondence that clearly document test results, observations, and recommendations.
• Perform basic analytical calculations, including percentages, proportions, and other mathematical operations needed for testing, formulation, and data analysis.
• Follow quality control and quality assurance procedures to support consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Organize laboratory workflows and maintain a process-driven, well-documented approach to testing and sample management.
• Collaborate with a small laboratory team, share knowledge, and contribute to a supportive and training-focused environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Chemistry, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Laboratory experience focused in chemistry or quality control, preferably within a chemical or food manufacturing environment.
• 2-3 years of R&D or formulation experience in a chemical or food manufacturing company.
• Hands-on experience performing wet chemistry tests, including titrations, pH measurements, viscosity, density, solids determination, and related analyses.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance practices in a manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence that clearly document laboratory work and findings.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and to apply basic algebra and geometry in laboratory calculations.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and data integrity.
• Proactive work style, with the ability to anticipate needs and take initiative in the laboratory.
• Process-driven and organized approach to managing tests, samples, documentation, and workflows.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university is preferred.
• One to two years of re