Quality Control Chemist
Job Description
The Quality Control Chemist performs physical property testing, wet chemistry, and analytical testing to ensure the quality of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products in a high-throughput manufacturing environment. This role begins with routine testing such as viscosity, pH, and TOC for water testing, and expands to include chromatographic analyses such as HPLC and GC. The chemist reviews laboratory and compounding records, supports investigations into quality issues, and contributes to method development, validation, and continuous improvement of laboratory practices in accordance with GMP and Good Documentation Practices.
Responsibilities
Perform physical property and wet chemistry testing on bulk formula batches, line samples, raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, including tests such as viscosity, pH, TOC for water testing, titrations, and related analyses.
Conduct laboratory analysis on incoming raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products according to established procedures using wet chemistry, GC, and HPLC methods.
Prepare samples for chromatographic analysis, including preparation of standard and reagent solutions to support GC and HPLC testing.
Prioritize and organize daily sample testing to meet tight deadlines and support a high-throughput environment.
Access, input, and retrieve data and test results from the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other laboratory data systems.
Review compounding and laboratory records for accuracy and completeness, ensuring compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and GMP requirements.
Make disposition recommendations for raw materials, process samples, and finished products for use or sale based on test results and specifications.
Document all laboratory activities, test results, and deviations clearly and accurately, including any performance deviations not anticipated or indicated in test procedures.
Maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping, including clean-up, waste disposal, and glassware washing, to ensure a safe and organized work area.
Become proficient in routine GC and HPLC analysis, including instrument operation, integration of chromatographic data, and calculation and reporting of results.
Assist in investigations of out-of-specification (OOS) and out-of-trend (OOT) results, as well as customer complaints, and support implementation of corrective actions as directed by quality leadership.
Support method development protocols by conducting required testing and providing accurate and timely data.
Assist with instrument qualification and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ), as well as calibration tasks for laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
Contribute to method transfer protocols and associated testing to ensure robust and reliable analytical methods across laboratories or sites.
Assist with annual and new supplier validation protocols, including sample coordination, testing, and documentation of results.
Participate in the creation, review, and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect current practices and regulatory expectations.
Support stability study protocols and associated testing processes, ensuring timely execution and accurate documentation of stability data.
Assist with ordering and tracking laboratory supplies and services to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Support contract manufacturing protocols and workflow by coordinating testing, documentation, and communication with internal stakeholders.
Assist with routine instrument maintenance and basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime and maintain data integrity.
Coordinate information flow within the laboratory and communicate effectively with internal customers, including production, engineering, QA, and other departments.
Collaborate with colleagues across shifts to ensure smooth handoffs, clearly communicate status of testing and open issues, and maintain continuity of operations.
Work independently with minimal oversight while knowing when to escalate issues or seek guidance when limits are reached.
Contribute to a culture of quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement within a smaller, collaborative QC team.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree minimum in Chemistry preferred; will also consider Biochemistry, Biology with a Chemistry minor, or other related scientific disciplines.
Strong preference for at least 1 year of experience in a quality control laboratory environment, including exposure to physical testing and volumetric solution sample preparation.
Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques, including titrations and preparation of standards and reagents.
Familiarity with analytical techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with the ability to learn integration and result calculations.
Working knowledge of GMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other laboratory sample management systems for data entry and retrieval.
General proficiency with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
Ability to thrive in a high-throughput environment while performing repetitive testing both quickly and accurately.
Strong multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize and re-prioritize work based on changing needs and production demands.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with compounding, production, QA, engineering, and other internal stakeholders across shifts.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating confidence in decision-making and problem-solving within defined procedures.
Capability to work at a fast pace under tight deadlines while maintaining high quality and attention to detail.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new methods, instruments, and procedures.
Strong teamwork skills, including the ability to coordinate with off-shift colleagues and effectively hand off work to the next shift.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field is welcome and may be considered favorably.
Prior involvement in OOS/OOT investigations, customer complaint investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
Experience supporting stability studies, annual and new supplier validations, and contract manufacturing testing workflows.
Familiarity with SOP creation, review, and revision processes in a regulated environment.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate laboratory supplies and services, including ordering and tracking.
Comfort working in a smaller, close-knit team environment that emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and strong culture.
Openness to working off-shift schedules and collaborating closely with colleagues on other shifts and weekends.
Work Environment
This position is scheduled on a third-shift, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM with a one-hour lunch break. Initial training will occur on a first-shift, Monday through Friday schedule for approximately 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the candidate's progress and training needs. Work takes place primarily in a clean laboratory setting with standard analytical and wet chemistry equipment, including chromatographic instruments such as GC and HPLC, as well as LIMS and common office software. The chemist will occasionally visit the manufacturing floor to collect or deliver samples and will interact frequently with production workers, mechanics, engineers, QA, and other cross-functional partners. The facility recently completed an FDA audit and is actively enhancing quality and manufacturing processes across all product lines, including hand sanitizers, soaps, dish soaps, nail polish remover, and other household cleaning products. The laboratory operates with a high throughput of quality testing and functions similarly to a raw materials and in-process lab in terms of expediency and turnaround time. The QC team consists of approximately 12 analysts across three shifts and weekends, forming a smaller, collaborative group that works closely together and emphasizes a supportive, family-like culture. The organization is employee-owned, promotes from within, and is experiencing growth through increased business and acquisitions. The role includes standard holiday benefits and eligibility for an additional monthly off-shift compensation once converted to permanent status.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Saint Louis,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
