R&d Chemist

Job Title: R&D Chemist (Chemist II or Chemist III)

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to join a small, collaborative research and development team as an R&D Chemist at either the Chemist II or Chemist III level. You will focus primarily on finished product stability studies and routine analytical testing for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical solid dosage forms. Working closely with another chemist and the broader R&D group, you will perform HPLC assays, support method development, coordinate work with external laboratories, and help maintain an efficient, well-organized laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct finished product stability studies as the primary responsibility, including planning, execution, and documentation of stability interval testing.
• Perform routine analytical testing using small molecule HPLC, working primarily with Shimadzu HPLC instrumentation.
• Carry out solid dosage testing such as disintegration, weight discrepancy, and other physical tests on nutraceutical products.
• Prepare, organize, and submit samples and associated paperwork to external contract laboratories.
• Enter analytical data and stability results into LIMS and other electronic software systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Support method development and validation activities under the guidance of sr staff, contributing to system improvements and method optimization.
• Assist with small-scale stability studies and occasional bench-scale formulation work under direct supervision.
• Order laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies, and manage purchasing needs for upcoming weeks and months.
• Coordinate the shipment of equipment for calibration and maintain records related to instrument maintenance.
• Handle hazardous waste in accordance with applicable requirements and assist with hazardous waste disposal procedures.
• Maintain general lab cleanliness and organization, including routine cleaning tasks and upkeep of work areas.
• Complete detailed, fully electronic documentation for stability study interval testing and other laboratory activities; no paper lab notebooks are used.
• Contribute to product development and other non-routine tasks based on experience level and demonstrated capability.
• For Chemist III level: oversee lab ordering, manage sending samples to contract labs, coordinate stability interval tools, and take on more administrative and coordination responsibilities within the lab.
• Collaborate closely with the full-time and part-time chemists and the R&D team to ensure testing timelines and project goals are met.
• Plan ahead to anticipate laboratory needs, manage multiple tasks, and maintain consistent productivity during routine and non-routine work.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline (minimum requirement).
• Approximately 5-10 years of experience as a chemist in a laboratory environment, which may include quality control or R&D roles in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical settings.
• Hands-on experience performing HPLC assay testing in a laboratory environment, preferably in an R&D setting; quality control lab experience is also acceptable.
• Proficiency with Shimadzu HPLC instrumentation or similar HPLC systems.
• Strong experience in analytical chemistry, including small molecule analysis and wet chemistry techniques.
• Experience working with solid dosage forms and related physical testing (e.g., disintegration, weight discrepancy).
• Familiarity with nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical product testing and quality expectations.
• Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or similar quality systems in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience with data entry and documentation in electronic systems, such as LIMS or other laboratory software.
• Ability to handle hazardous waste safely and in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan ahead, manage multiple tasks, and maintain a high level of consistency and efficiency.
• Ability to work independently, use time effectively, and maintain focus on both routine and non-routine tasks.
• For Chemist II: approximately 5 years of experience with HPLC assay testing and physical testing in a lab environment.
• For Chemist III: approximately 5-10 years of experience, including responsibility for lab ordering, coordination with contract labs, and administrative support of stability programs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with finished product testing is a significant plus, particularly for nutraceutical or pharmaceutical products.
• Experience working with botanicals is a strong plus.
• Exposure to product development activities and non-routine R&D tasks.
• Comfort working in a fully electronic documentation environment without traditional lab notebooks.
• Ability to support method development and validation under supervision and contribute ideas for system improvements.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with a small R&D team.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as 401(k) participation through the consulting organization.
• Access to a variety of partner perks, including discounts on cell phones, consumer goods, and other services through corporate partners.
• Eligibility for 24 hours of California sick pay after 90 days of employment, subject to applicable policies.
• Eligibility for paid time off, including 40 hours of PTO, subject to applicable policies and employment terms.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite at a laboratory facility in Mission Viejo. You will work in a small, close-knit environment with approximately 12 people onsite, including one full-time chemist, one part-time chemist, and the R&D leadership team. The lab uses Shimadzu HPLC systems and supports stability studies, physical testing, and small-scale formulation work primarily on finished nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. The culture emphasizes organization, independence, and efficient use of time; chemists are expected to plan ahead for the coming weeks, manage their workload proactively, and maintain a well-organized lab. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The work involves routine bench testing, electronic documentation, coordination with external contract labs, and occasional administrative tasks related to ordering and equipment calibration. Dress is typical for a laboratory environment, with appropriate lab attire and personal protective equipment required while performing testing and handling chemicals.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Mission Viejo,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.