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Actalent
Chemist
Career Insights for Quality Control Chemist
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Quality Control Chemist uses chemistry analysis to test samples of manufacturing or pharmaceutical products, to ensure that products meet quality standards.
$75,174 / year median in California
+9% projected growth
Job Description
Chemist Actalent - 3.5 La Verne, CA Job Details Contract $37 - $42 an hour 3 days ago Benefits Commuter assistance Health savings account AD&D insurance Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications USP standards Defect resolution root cause analysis Technical writing experience within manufacturing Quality control data analysis Pharmaceutical company experience Pharmaceutical analysis Materials analysis (analytical chemistry specialty) Data interpretation Productivity software Regulatory compliance analysis Chemical testing Cross-functional communication Failure analysis Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility experience Scientific reports
Full Job Description Job Title:
Chemist Job Description The Chemist plays a key role in a Quality Control (QC) laboratory, performing GMP-compliant testing and supporting commercial pharmaceutical manufacturing. This role focuses on raw material, in-process, and final product testing, method validation and transfer, routine monitoring, and continuous improvement activities such as LEAN and 5S. The Chemist will perform analytical testing using HPLC, GC, UPLC, CE, and SEC systems ensuring timely, accurate analytical results so that manufacturing operations proceed without interruption and serves as a technical resource within the department and across functions. Responsibilities Conduct procedure updates in the QC laboratory and perform GMP reviews of logbooks to ensure compliance and data integrity. Coordinate waste management activities in the laboratory, supporting LEAN and 5S initiatives to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work area. Perform final product release testing, including all applicable analytical tests, to confirm product identity, purity, and quality prior to release. Conduct raw material release testing as required to verify that incoming materials meet established specifications. Perform testing, analyze data, and submit results in a timely manner so that commercial manufacturing activities are not delayed or impacted. Execute laboratory method validation, transfer, and verification activities in accordance with pharmacopeial and regulatory requirements. Coordinate routine monitoring and validation activities for laboratory methods, processes, and critical utilities. Order laboratory supplies, assign expiry dates to incoming materials, track requisitions, and reconcile against received materials and invoices. Perform chemistry testing of raw materials, in-process samples, final products, validation-related samples, and critical utility samples using appropriate analytical techniques. Serve as a technical resource within the QC department and cross-functionally, providing expertise in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical testing. Participate in and may lead special projects related to method improvements, process optimization, or new product introductions. Support investigations by analyzing data, identifying root causes, and contributing to corrective and preventive actions. Prepare clear, accurate, and compliant reports and documentation related to testing, validation, and investigations. Follow changes in pharmacopeial requirements (USP, BP, JP, EP) and support implementation and qualification of updated methods. Essential Skills 4+ years of relevant experience with a BS degree in Chemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline, or 2+ years of relevant experience with an MS degree. Hands-on experience in analytical chemistry within a QC or pharmaceutical laboratory environment. Prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with exposure to commercial manufacturing and QC testing. Experience with biologics products; small and/or large molecule experience is preferred. Working knowledge of GMPs and GLPs, including regulatory requirements for testing and validation in the pharmaceutical industry. Strong understanding of chemistry techniques used to determine identity, purity, and quality of parenteral and solid dosage products. Understanding of pharmacopeial requirements and the ability to follow, implement, and qualify changes to analytical methods. Knowledge of USP, BP, JP, and EP requirements and change processes related to pharmaceutical testing. Proficiency with analytical instruments and techniques such as HPLC, GC, UPLC, wet chemistry methods, CE (capillary electrophoresis), and SEC (size exclusion chromatography). Investigation skills, including the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support root cause analysis. Strong report writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and compliant documentation. Good verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for effective collaboration with laboratory and cross-functional teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and laboratory informatics tools such as LIMS and Empower. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline. Experience working with biologics and both small and large molecule pharmaceutical products. Familiarity with LEAN principles and 5S practices in a laboratory environment. Should have experience with wet chemistry and biologics testing methods. Knowledge of GDP (Good Documentation Practices) and strong attention to detail in record-keeping. Ability to adapt to changing pharmacopeial and regulatory requirements and support continuous improvement of methods and processes. Strong organizational skills for managing multiple tests, projects, and supply inventories concurrently. Long-term career interest in pharmaceutical QC and analytical chemistry, with a commitment to ongoing learning and development. Work Environment This is an onsite laboratory role based in a pharmaceutical Quality Control environment. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the need for flexibility to be on-call some weekends and to occasionally work off-shifts when urgent samples require testing (for example, coming in early morning to run time-sensitive samples). The work involves routine use of analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, UPLC, CE, and SEC systems, as well as wet chemistry techniques, within a GMP- and GLP-compliant setting. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, supported by LEAN and 5S practices. Collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and other technical teams is frequent, and the role offers a long-term opportunity in a stable, growth-oriented pharmaceutical laboratory setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of La Verne, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $37.00 - $42.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 La Verne,CA.