Chemist
Job Description
This Chemist position supports a quality control laboratory by preparing, analyzing, and interpreting a wide range of samples, primarily in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and vitamin sectors. The role focuses on routine and specialized chemical analyses using modern instrumentation, ensuring accurate, timely results that meet established protocols and industry standards. This is a backfill position, offering the opportunity to join an experienced team in a fast-paced contract testing environment.
Responsibilities
Prepare, handle, and test a variety of samples, with a primary focus on food, feed, pharmaceutical, and vitamin products.
Perform routine and specialized chemical analyses using techniques such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, and occasional ELISA.
Carry out wet chemistry procedures and other analytical methods as required by project and client needs.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments, including chromatographs, spectrometers, and other analytical equipment.
Oversee the full analytical workflow, including sample preparation, purification, instrument operation, and post-run data review.
Interpret analytical data and prepare clear, concise reports for internal use and for delivery to clients.
Maintain accurate, detailed records of experiments, results, and observations in both laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
Follow strict safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment.
Collaborate with colleagues to troubleshoot analytical challenges and improve laboratory methods and processes.
Support ongoing quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure the reliability and integrity of results.
Participate in training and continuous professional development to stay current with analytical chemistry practices and laboratory techniques.
Contribute to meeting quick turnaround times for sample analysis and reporting in a contract testing setting.
Essential Skills
Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting HPLC, GC, and LC-MS instrumentation.
Experience performing wet chemistry techniques in a laboratory environment.
Ability to prepare, purify, and analyze complex sample matrices, including food, feed, pharmaceutical, and vitamin products.
Strong data interpretation skills with the ability to review, validate, and summarize analytical results.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in both written and electronic formats.
Solid understanding of laboratory safety practices and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Ability to work independently when running instruments and to collaborate effectively during sample preparation and problem-solving.
BS or BA in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field, or an Associate degree in a related scientific discipline.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Familiarity with ELISA techniques and their application in analytical testing.
Background in chemistry, biology, or related life sciences.
Experience working in a quality control or contract testing laboratory environment.
Comfort working in a rural location and commuting to or residing near Washington, MO.
Strong communication skills for collaborating with colleagues and preparing clear reports.
Interest in ongoing professional development and staying current with analytical chemistry practices.
Work Environment
The role is based in a contract testing laboratory located in Washington, MO, approximately an hour from a major city, in a more rural area. The Chemist works in a quality control lab that receives client samples and operates with quick turnaround times for analysis and reporting. The laboratory team includes about eight Chemists, representing a mix of personalities, including both introverted and extroverted individuals. The work is predominantly laboratory-based, involving regular use of analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, and other equipment typical of a modern QC lab. The environment is fast-paced and can be high pressure due to client deadlines, requiring strong attention to detail and consistent adherence to safety and quality procedures. The position emphasizes both independent work, particularly when running instruments, and collaborative work during sample preparation and troubleshooting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Washington, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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 Washington,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 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.
