Laboratory Analytical Scientist

Job Title: Laboratory Analytical Scientist

Job Description

The Laboratory Analytical Scientist will play a key role in building and operating a newly expanding analytical laboratory that supports advanced recycling through feedstock characterization, quality assurance, and customer-facing Certificates of Analysis. This position owns critical analytical instrumentation, ensures data quality and integrity, and helps develop laboratory capabilities as services grow for both internal and external clients. The role is highly hands-on and suited to a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with evolving processes, new equipment installations, and accreditation readiness efforts.

Responsibilities

• Own the daily operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation to ensure reliable and consistent performance.
• Perform sample preparation activities such as shredding, milling, digestion, and other preparative steps required for analytical testing.
• Operate and maintain key analytical instruments, including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC/GC-MS, elemental analyzers (CHNS), CIC systems, and XRF and FTIR/NIR spectroscopy platforms.
• Maintain instrument uptime by monitoring performance, validating results within acceptable ranges, and addressing issues proactively.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and manage vendor service engagements to support instrument reliability and longevity.
• Generate accurate analytical data and transform results into clear, customer-facing reports and Certificates of Analysis that support commercial transactions.
• Support laboratory accreditation efforts and contribute to the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures.
• Assist in method development using ASTM- and ISO-based standards as well as internal methods tailored to advanced recycling and materials testing.
• Collaborate closely with lab operations, leadership, and commercial teams to deliver client-driven analytical results and meet project requirements.
• Apply strong data analysis skills to interpret results, identify trends or anomalies, and ensure the integrity and traceability of analytical data.
• Utilize LIMS or other digital lab tracking systems to manage samples, methods, results, and documentation efficiently.
• Contribute to lab buildout activities, including supporting equipment commissioning, layout optimization, and readiness for accreditation audits.
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of testing, documentation, and reporting to support accreditation and regulatory compliance.
• Consistently deliver high-quality, customer-ready analytical outputs that meet internal quality standards and external client expectations.
• Actively participate in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, sharing insights with R&D, lab operations, and commercial teams to advance lab capabilities.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of hands-on analytical laboratory experience in an industrial, commercial, or applied research setting.
• Proficiency with at least two major instrument platforms such as ICP, GC-MS, FTIR, XRF, CHNS, or similar analytical technologies.
• Strong analytical chemistry background with practical experience in laboratory operations, quality control, and validation activities.
• Demonstrated ability to perform precise sample preparation, including shredding, milling, digestion, and related techniques.
• Experience operating and maintaining instruments including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC/GC-MS, elemental analyzers (CHNS), CIC systems, XRF, and FTIR/NIR spectroscopy.
• Solid data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex analytical results and prepare clear, accurate reports.
• Experience working with LIMS or other digital laboratory tracking systems to manage samples, data, and workflows.
• Understanding of analytical standards and methods, including ASTM and ISO standards, and their application in method development and validation.
• Knowledge of quality control principles and practices in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, build-out environment with evolving processes and newly installed equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, particularly in support of accreditation readiness.
• Capability to take full ownership of analytical instrumentation and data quality, ensuring high standards are consistently met.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in method development, including creating, optimizing, and validating analytical methods based on ASTM, ISO, or internal standards.
• background working in regulated laboratory environments or with accreditation frameworks such as ISO standards.
• Experience with plastics, feedstocks, recycling, oil and gas, or broader materials testing applications.
• Exposure to equipment commissioning, laboratory buildouts, and the implementation of new analytical technologies.
• Familiarity with feedstock characterization and advanced recycling processes.
• Ability to thrive in a startup-style environment and contribute to shaping laboratory processes and capabilities.
• Demonstrated adaptability and enthusiasm for working with evolving procedures and expanding service offerings.
• Strong communication skills for preparing customer-ready Certificates of Analysis and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Interest in sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and the role of advanced recycling in global supply chains.

Work Environment

This role is based in a dedicated analytical laboratory in Tigard, Oregon, operating on a Monday-Friday schedule, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility. The environment features a small, growing lab team that is actively expanding its capabilities and equipment footprint, including newly relocated instrumentation being installed and commissioned. You will work with advanced analytical technologies such as ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC/GC-MS, CHNS elemental analyzers, CIC systems, XRF, and FTIR/NIR spectroscopy, supported by LIMS and digital lab tracking tools. The culture is collaborative and cross-functional, with close interaction among R&D, lab operations, and commercial teams, and offers the opportunity to be deeply involved in lab buildout, process development, and accreditation efforts. Employees have access to comprehensive benefits, including paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan options, health savings accounts, life and disability insurance, employee assistance and transportation benefits, additional protection plans, and ongoing education through an online learning platform. The setting is professional laboratory attire, with a strong focus on safety, precision, and teamwork in support of advanced recycling and sustainability initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $44.00/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 Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 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.