R&D Chemist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Chemist

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting research and development and quality control activities within a chemical manufacturing environment. The R&D Chemist performs analytical testing on production batches and raw materials, supports manufacturing by adjusting formulations, manages laboratory documentation, and ensures products meet established specifications and customer requirements. The position offers hands-on training, exposure to a variety of products, and opportunities for long-term career growth in a collaborative, process-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products using methods such as pH measurement, viscosity, density, solids content, titrations, and flash point determination.
• Conduct basic analytical and wet chemistry tests to verify that products meet established quality and performance specifications.
• Manage and maintain the database for samples, production retains, and production documentation to ensure accurate records and traceability.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing processes by giving guidance on adjusting batch formulations when batches fall outside product specifications.
• Prepare certificates of analysis for customers upon request, ensuring accuracy and completeness of reported data.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and operations equipment according to known standards and documented procedures.
• Prepare sample batches for customers and the sales team, ensuring they are produced, labeled, and documented correctly.
• Perform stability testing on laboratory and manufacturing samples to assess product performance over time.
• Communicate with outside laboratories to coordinate and manage external testing when required.
• Serve as a resource for confirming correct product labels and ensuring that product information is accurate and compliant with internal standards.
• Read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, and apply this knowledge to daily laboratory activities.
• Write routine reports and correspondence to document test results, observations, and recommendations.
• Apply mathematical skills to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and basic algebra and geometry as needed for formulation and analysis.
• Work in a proactive, process-driven manner, maintaining high attention to detail and organized documentation.
• Collaborate effectively with a small laboratory team, sharing information and supporting continuous improvement in quality control and R&D processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Chemistry or related
• Laboratory experience focused in chemistry or quality control.
• At least 1 year of R&D or formulation experience in a chemical or food manufacturing company.
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques, including titration and basic analytical tests.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Countryside, IL.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Countryside,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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.