Chemist - Liquid Chromatography

Job Title: Chemist II - Liquid Chromatography

Job Description

This Chemist II position on the Liquid Chromatography (LC) team plays a key role in delivering accurate, efficient, and timely analytical services. You will operate advanced LC and LC-MS/LC-MS/MS systems, perform complex sample preparation and extraction, and contribute to method development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. The role combines hands-on bench chemistry, data analysis, and mentoring responsibilities in a fast-paced analytical laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain Liquid Chromatography (LC) instrumentation, including systems equipped with conventional detectors, MS, MS/MS, and HR-MS/MS (Orbitrap or TOF) detectors.
• Perform solid phase extraction (SPE) and other sample preparation techniques to support LC and LC-MS/LC-MS/MS analyses.
• Conduct extractions and sample analyses in accordance with documented methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality standards.
• Analyze and interpret chromatographic and mass spectrometric data using software such as Sciex OS, Analyst, Multiquant, Tracefinder, Chromeleon, or equivalent platforms.
• Troubleshoot analytical procedures and methods, identifying and resolving issues related to sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and mass spectrometric detection.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance, verification, and calibration of LC and mass spectrometry instrumentation to ensure reliable performance.
• Compile, review, and evaluate QA/QC data to support ISO 17025 compliance and maintain high analytical quality standards.
• Participate in analytical method development and optimization, including SPE and LC/LC-MS method refinement for new and existing assays.
• Routinely screen, quantify, and report large-scale pesticide panels, including panels with more than 100 compounds per sample.
• Propose process improvements and contribute to stabilizing and enhancing analytical workflows and laboratory efficiency.
• Mentor and support junior chemists, providing guidance on analytical techniques, instrumentation, and adherence to SOPs.
• Contribute to the creation, review, and updating of SOPs and related documentation to reflect best practices and process changes.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and cross-functional groups to meet project timelines and client expectations.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a high-throughput environment while maintaining accuracy and data integrity.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field from a four-year college or university.
• At least 1+ year of analytical chemistry experience, preferably in a high-throughput commercial laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Liquid Chromatography (LC) instrumentation, including LC-MS and LC-MS/MS systems.
• Proficiency in Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) techniques, including method development and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and compile data packages for both small and large datasets.
• Strong working knowledge of analytical software such as Analyst, Sciex OS, Multiquant, Tracefinder, Chromeleon, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with sample preparation, extraction, and general bench chemistry techniques in an analytical laboratory.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize analytical and extraction methods, including chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric analysis.
• Comfort working independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments and within a team.
• Demonstrated quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) experience, including working within ISO 17025 or similar quality frameworks.
• Competence in instrument maintenance and troubleshooting for Waters, Sciex, and Agilent LC and mass spectrometry systems.
• Strong organizational skills, prioritization, and attention to detail in sample handling, analysis, and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Waters, Sciex, and Agilent instrumentation in an analytical chemistry setting.
• Experience in analytical chemistry, chemistry, toxicology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or closely related disciplines.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for sample tracking, data entry, and reporting.
• Experience working with large pesticide panels and complex sample matrices across multiple assays.
• Exposure to assay development, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to method development, including optimization of sample preparation and chromatographic conditions.
• Strong team collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of chemists.
• Mentoring or training experience, including supporting junior staff in laboratory techniques and SOP adherence.
• Adaptability and flexibility to learn new methods, technologies, and software tools as the laboratory evolves.
• Strong problem-solving mindset, with the ability to propose improvements and help stabilize analytical processes.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced analytical laboratory environment focused on high-throughput testing and advanced LC and LC-MS/LC-MS/MS analyses. You will work with Waters, Sciex, and Agilent instrumentation and use technical software platforms such as Analyst, Sciex OS, Multiquant, Tracefinder, Chromeleon, and a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The standard schedule is approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., supporting consistent daytime operations. The culture emphasizes collaboration, communication, and mutual support among a diverse team of chemists. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and vision coverage with high employer contributions, dental insurance options, long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental insurance options, legal and identity protection services, a 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid time off, and 13 paid holidays. Additional perks include access to select employee stores, designated free parking in downtown Portland, and an annual bonus program that has historically provided a bonus valued at about one month's salary, with prorated eligibility for new hires when applicable. The workplace fosters community and engagement through monthly food events, social gatherings such as summer barbecues, family-friendly activities like a kids-to-work day, and a supportive environment that values both introverted and extroverted work styles. Professional growth is a key focus, with opportunities to work on challenging projects, gain exposure to advanced technology, test a wide range of analytes across multiple tests and matrices, and pursue a clear advancement path toward higher-level and supervisory roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $52000.00/yr.

Benefits: Medical/vision insurance (company covers 100% of EE premium and 90% of dependent and HSA- company covers 100% of premium and contributes to HSA every month), dental insurance, LTD, FSA, supplemental insurance, LegalShield/IDShield, 401(k), PTO, 13 paid holidays, and partnership with Adidas and Columbia employee store.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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.