Laboratory Analytical Scientist

Job Title: Laboratory Analytical Scientist

New grads with Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering

Job Description

We are seeking a Laboratory Analytical Scientist to join our dynamic and expanding laboratory function. This role is crucial in supporting advanced recycling through feedstock characterization, quality assurance, and the development of Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) to facilitate commercial transactions globally. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the daily operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation.
• Perform sample preparation including shredding, milling, and digestion.
• Operate and maintain instruments such as ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC/GC-MS, Elemental analyzers (CHNS), CIC systems, and XRF, FTIR/NIR spectroscopy.
• Ensure instrument uptime and validate performance within acceptable ranges.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and vendor service engagements.
• Generate accurate analytical data and prepare customer-facing reports and Certificates of Analysis (CoA).
• Support lab accreditation efforts and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist in method development using ASTM and internal methods.
• Collaborate with lab operations, leadership, and commercial teams to deliver client-driven results.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of hands-on analytical lab experience in industrial, commercial, or applied research settings.
• Proficiency with at least two major instrument platforms such as ICP, GC-MS, FTIR, XRF, or CHNS.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or digital lab tracking systems.
• Understanding of analytical standards, including ASTM.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with accreditation or regulated lab environments.
• Method development experience.
• Familiarity with plastics, feedstocks, recycling, oil & gas, or materials testing.
• Exposure to equipment commissioning and lab buildouts.

Work Environment

The role is based in Tigard, OR, with a schedule of Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, offering flexibility. The lab environment is characterized by a small, growing team with expanding capabilities and equipment footprint. Newly relocated instrumentation is being installed and commissioned. The work environment is collaborative, involving R&D, lab operations, and commercial teams, providing the opportunity to contribute to lab buildout, processes, and accreditation efforts.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract 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 11, 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.