Chemist

Job Title: Chemist Job Description
This Chemist role focuses on supporting chemical pilot plant work by preparing samples, performing physical and chemical analyses, and processing analytical data in a research-oriented laboratory environment. You will work with gas chromatography and a range of wet chemistry methods, maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, and document results in logbooks using PC applications. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on analytical work in an innovative lab setting rather than a manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities

• Prepare chemical samples for analysis in support of chemical pilot plant activities.
• Perform physical and chemical analyses using gas chromatography (GC) and various wet chemistry methods.
• Operate, troubleshoot, clean, and maintain analytical instrumentation, including gas chromatographs and related equipment.
• Set up GC systems, including sample valves, calibration procedures, and method parameters.
• Process analytical data using PC applications and perform chemical and sample-related calculations.
• Record and organize analytical results, procedures, and observations in logbooks and other documentation systems.
• Apply chromatography and wet chemistry techniques to generate accurate and reliable analytical data.
• Follow established laboratory procedures and safety protocols while handling chemicals and operating equipment.
• Participate in hands-on training and shadow experienced chemical analysts to learn lab processes and best practices.
• Support weekend and varied shift work as needed to meet laboratory and pilot plant demands.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry with at least 1 year of experience, or a Master's degree in chemistry with 0 years of experience.
• Experience working in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation, including gas chromatography (GC).
• Experience with GC set-up, including sample valves, calibration, troubleshooting, and routine operation.
• Ability to train others or share knowledge on GC operation when needed.
• Strong proficiency with chromatography techniques.
• Practical experience with wet chemistry methods and techniques.
• Ability to process analytical data using PC applications and perform accurate chemical and sample-related calculations.
• Capacity to work flexibly across shifts between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Willingness to work some weekends as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in working in a research-focused laboratory environment rather than a manufacturing setting.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality analytical results and documentation.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and adapt to hands-on training and shadowing of experienced analysts.
• Comfort working with laboratory instrumentation and learning new analytical methods.
• No specific external medical requirements or professional certifications are required for this role.

Work Environment
This position is based in a laboratory environment that supports chemical pilot plant research, offering training and hands-on experience rather than production or manufacturing work. New team members receive comprehensive, on-the-job training and will initially shadow experienced chemical analysts to learn equipment, methods, and safety practices. The lab operates across a broad schedule, with shifts between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and some weekend work may be required. Casual attire is appropriate, and steel-toed boots or shoes are required for safety. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to support safe laboratory operations. The environment emphasizes innovation, careful analytical work, and collaboration in a research-oriented setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Antonio, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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 San Antonio,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.


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