Scientist I, Production (Chemistry)

Job Title: Scientist I, Production (Chemistry)

Job Description

The Scientist I, Production (Chemistry) role focuses on performing organic chemistry syntheses in a manufacturing environment to support the production of research and commercial products for the life sciences industry. You will execute and optimize large-scale manufacturing procedures, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, and contribute to continuous improvement of processes and product quality. This position combines hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration in a team-based setting, with an opportunity to transition to a permanent role.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic chemistry syntheses and wet chemistry procedures in a production environment to manufacture reagents, components, and finished products according to the manufacturing plan.
• Understand and follow written production documents, SOPs, and process instructions, ensuring all procedures are executed accurately and consistently.
• Produce, test, and analyze reagents, in-process materials, and finished products using appropriate analytical techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry, as required by the process.
• Maintain accurate inventory of raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished products using advanced ERP system functions.
• Analyze and interpret scientific data, utilizing specialized technical knowledge to draw conclusions and support process decisions.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with representatives from other departments and teams, coordinating resources and activities across functions as needed.
• Actively participate in team activities, including conflict resolution, team building, and scheduling, to support a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Recognize manufacturing problems, identify critical variables, design and perform appropriate experiments, and recommend corrections to improve manufacturing processes.
• Keep clear, complete, and accurate records of all manufacturing and product development work using Batch Data Records, lab notebooks, customer reports, work order documents, and other required documentation.
• Critically evaluate, revise, and help create process documents to ensure efficient, reproducible, and high-quality manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards in all process documents and continually strive to improve product quality through more effective manufacturing processes and quality testing.
• Communicate the importance of total quality to team members and support a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Work to achieve department goals and business objectives related to product quality, on-time completion of work, and safety performance.
• Seek additional training or education for professional development, such as attending journal clubs, meetings, and seminars.
• Participate as part of investigative teams to initiate and implement experiments addressing product or process failures and unexpected results.
• Collaborate with team members and planning/purchasing teams to develop and execute a manufacturing schedule that aligns with master schedule requirements.
• Coordinate team resources to ensure efficient use of time, materials, and equipment while meeting production commitments.
• Identify and understand the scientific basis of each manufacturing process used by the team, applying this knowledge to troubleshooting and optimization.
• Participate in intra-team and inter-departmental problem-solving teams to address technical and operational challenges.
• Actively contribute to New Product Development and product/process development activities, including co-development with R&D or Manufacturing Sciences.
• Implement production and large-scale manufacturing procedures to optimize processes and meet quality and regulatory expectations.
• Work with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to ensure all safety guidelines and procedures are followed in the lab and production areas.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor"s degree in Chemistry (preferred) or an equivalent scientific discipline.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably involving chemical or life science products.
• Hands-on experience with organic chemistry and organic synthesis in a lab or production setting.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques and standard laboratory practices.
• Ability to follow and contribute to SOPs, production documents, and manufacturing process instructions.
• Experience maintaining and interpreting lab notebooks, Batch Data Records, and other technical documentation.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry for product and process analysis.
• Experience using ERP systems, including advanced functions for inventory and production management.
• Solid technical writing skills for drafting and revising process documents, reports, and scientific summaries.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to work independently when required and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to evaluate, prioritize, and manage multiple changing projects and priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interpret and summarize scientific results clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and solve technical and process-related problems.
• Proven ability to lead and provide work direction within a team-based environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team to manufacture research and commercial products for the life sciences industry.
• Commitment to quality assurance, adherence to quality standards, and continuous improvement of processes and products.
• Ability to work safely in collaboration with EH&S, following established safety guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master"s degree in Organic Chemistry is preferred.
• Experience in a production lab or manufacturing environment focused on organic synthesis or life science products.
• in process improvement, New Product Development, and product introduction activities.
• Experience reviewing and improving technical documents, SOPs, and quality-related documentation.
• Comfort working with customer reports and supporting technical communication related to manufactured products.
• Interest in ongoing professional development through journal clubs, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including planning, purchasing, R&D, Manufacturing Sciences, Quality, and EH&S.

Work Environment

This role is based in an organic synthesis chemistry production laboratory environment that includes lab, office, and production areas. You will work with standard chemical laboratory equipment, analytical instruments such as HPLC and mass spectrometers, and computer-based systems including ERP and documentation tools. The work involves handling chemicals and reagents in a controlled lab and production setting, following EH&S guidelines and established safety procedures. The environment is collaborative and team-based, with regular interaction across departments to coordinate schedules, share resources, and support New Product Development and process improvement initiatives. Standard laboratory and production attire, including appropriate personal protective equipment, is required while working in lab and production areas. The role offers a structured environment with clear production plans and quality standards, along with the potential to transition into a permanent position.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Rockford, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Rockford,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 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.