Chemist 1 (1st Shift Weekends)

Job Title:

Chemist I (1st Shift - Weekends) Job Description This Chemist I role supports a Quality Control laboratory by performing routine and advanced analytical testing using techniques such as HPLC and GC on a weekend-first shift schedule. The position is ideal for an entry-level chemistry graduate who wants to build hands-on experience in a regulated laboratory environment, contribute to analytical testing for pharmaceutical products, and grow into roles in Quality or Analytical Development. You will complete an initial training period on a weekday schedule and then transition to a Friday-Monday weekend shift, working with a collaborative team to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant test results. Responsibilities Perform benchwork in a Quality Control laboratory, including logging in samples or specimens, noting date, time, and tests to be performed. Prepare equipment, organize supplies and reagents, and ensure all materials are ready for testing. Prepare samples for analysis by diluting, filtering, centrifuging, digesting, and using other wet chemistry techniques as required. Conduct standard chemical tests using methods such as HPLC, GC, wet chemistry, titration, UV-Vis, FTIR, GC-MS, and other chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. Run quality control samples with known values to verify that procedures and results remain within acceptable limits. Collect or assist in collecting samples for analysis, ensuring proper handling and documentation. Enter test results in appropriate logs, laboratory information systems, or specification sheets with high accuracy and attention to detail. Complete test result forms and promptly notify supervisors in cases of significant or out-of-specification findings. Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of all tests performed, including quality control procedures, results, and any deviations. Perform routine calibration and minor maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure reliable operation. Support preventative laboratory maintenance activities to keep instruments and equipment in good working order. Monitor laboratory inventory, inform supervisors of supply needs, and assist in maintaining adequate stock of reagents, consumables, and materials. Stay current in the field by reading scientific literature and participating in symposiums, workshops, or other professional development opportunities. Maintain knowledge of and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements and laboratory procedures. Apply logical and scientific thinking to troubleshoot analytical issues and solve practical laboratory problems. Interpret technical procedures, regulations, and analytical data, and correlate results with other information as needed. Write clear reports, business correspondence, and procedure documentation related to laboratory testing and operations. Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, presenting information and responding to questions as needed. Follow all safety and quality procedures while standing for extended periods, handling laboratory equipment, and lifting materials as required. Support 24/7 laboratory operations by running samples and contributing to analytical testing coverage on assigned shifts. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree (BS) or equivalent in Chemistry or a related science field from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Chemistry degree is required for entry-level candidates. 0-2 years of laboratory experience, with early-career or entry-level candidates strongly considered. At least 1 year of HPLC or GC (gas chromatography) experience from academic or industry settings is preferred; industry analytical lab experience with HPLC is strongly valued. Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques in a laboratory environment. Experience working in a GMP or other regulated laboratory environment, or strong willingness to learn and adhere to GMP standards. Proficiency in sample preparation techniques such as dilution, filtration, centrifugation, and digestion. Ability to perform and interpret standard chemical tests and correlate results with other data. Familiarity with laboratory documentation practices, including logging samples, recording results, and maintaining quality control records. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and general business publications. Ability to write clear reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, including internal stakeholders and customers. Strong logical and scientific thinking skills, with the ability to solve a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to work with nonverbal symbolism such as formulas, scientific equations, graphs, and other technical representations. Ability to handle abstract and concrete variables in complex analytical situations. Capability to stand for extended periods and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Ability to regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities including close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Comfort using Microsoft Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with HPLC, GC, and chromatography techniques, including gas chromatography and related analytical methods. Exposure to or experience with GC-MS (mass spectrometry), FTIR, UV-Vis, and other analytical instrumentation. Background in pharmaceutical or related industries, particularly in Quality Control or analytical laboratories. Familiarity with preventative laboratory maintenance and routine calibration of lab equipment. Experience working with laboratory instruments such as centrifuges and other analytical equipment. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data recording. Interest in career growth into Quality, Analytical Development, or documentation-focused roles. Willingness to read scientific literature and attend workshops or symposiums to stay current with analytical techniques and industry practices. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. Flexibility to support expanded operations and evolving shift coverage as the laboratory grows. Work Environment This position is based in a Quality Control laboratory environment that supports analytical testing for pharmaceutical and related customer projects. The QC lab includes approximately 20-25 team members and is expanding toward 24/7 operational support. You will work with a variety of analytical instruments, including HPLC, GC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment, while following GMP guidelines and established procedures. The role follows a structured schedule: an initial training period of approximately three months on first shift Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), followed by a weekend-based schedule of Friday (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and Monday (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), providing four working days and three days off each week. The work involves standing for extended periods, frequent use of hands and arms to handle laboratory tools and materials, and regularly lifting up to 10 pounds and frequently up to 50 pounds. The environment emphasizes safety, accuracy, collaboration, and professional growth, with opportunities to advance into Quality, Analytical Development, or documentation roles as you gain experience. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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 Morton Grove,IL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 27, 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.