Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Analytical Chemist

Job Description

This bench-focused Analytical Chemist role centers on hands-on work in a regulated laboratory, performing analytical testing with HPLC and LC-MS to support product, process, and quality-related studies. You will prepare samples and reagents, operate and maintain analytical instruments, generate and interpret data, and ensure all activities comply with GMP, GLP, and established laboratory procedures. The position suits someone with 1-2 years of direct industry experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative wet lab environment and contributing to high-quality scientific outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing using HPLC and LC-MS methods to support product, process, and quality-related studies.
• Prepare samples, reagents, calibration standards, and mobile phases in accordance with SOPs and approved methods.
• Operate, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting of HPLC and LC-MS systems to ensure reliable performance.
• Execute analytical assays and experiments following validated methods and established protocols.
• Analyze chromatographic and mass spectrometry data and accurately document results in approved formats.
• Record experimental activities and results in laboratory notebooks, LIMS, or other controlled documentation systems.
• Support instrument qualification, calibration, and preventative maintenance activities as assigned.
• Maintain strict compliance with GMP, GLP, and laboratory safety requirements at all times.
• Assist with method transfers, SOP revisions, and laboratory investigations as needed to support ongoing projects.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to support project timelines and deliverables.
• Contribute to maintaining clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory workspaces.
• Participate in continuous improvement of analytical methods, workflows, and documentation practices where appropriate.

Essential Skills

• B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 1-2 years of direct industry experience operating HPLC and LC-MS instrumentation in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience with sample preparation, instrument setup, sequence creation, data review, and basic troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience performing analytical testing using HPLC and LC-MS methods.
• Experience working in a GMP, GLP, pharmaceutical, biotech, food, environmental, or contract research (CRO) laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with chromatography data systems and electronic or paper-based laboratory documentation practices.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate, complete, and compliant records.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
• Solid understanding of laboratory safety practices and regulatory expectations in a GMP/GLP environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with scientists and cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with method qualification, verification, or validation activities.
• Exposure to additional analytical techniques such as GC, ICP-MS, UV-Vis, or dissolution testing.
• Experience with ELISA platforms or other complementary analytical systems.
• Previous experience supporting quality control, manufacturing support, or product development programs.
• Experience participating in instrument qualification, calibration, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Comfort working with LIMS or other controlled documentation systems in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to SOP revisions, method transfers, or laboratory investigations.
• Interest in continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, data integrity, and documentation standards.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a bench-based wet laboratory environment five days a week. You will work in a regulated GMP/GLP setting that emphasizes safety, quality, and compliance in all activities. The position involves extensive hands-on work with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, ICP-MS, ELISA platforms, UV-based systems, and related laboratory equipment. You will routinely handle reagents, samples, and standards while maintaining clean, organized, and audit-ready workspaces. The laboratory operates in a fast-paced, highly collaborative atmosphere where clear communication, adherence to established procedures, and meticulous documentation are essential. The environment supports close teamwork with scientists and cross-functional partners, with a strong focus on reliability, data integrity, and continuous improvement in analytical practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hercules, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

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 Hercules,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.