Process Chemist

Job Title: Process Chemist

Job Description

As a Process Chemist, you will provide technical expertise in Process Chemistry and chemical process scale-up. You will independently identify and evaluate new chemical reaction pathways for future development and manufacturing applications, develop and optimize synthetic routes for small molecule active ingredients and specialty chemical products, and lead technology transfer activities from research-scale processes into manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Scale synthetic routes from laboratory development through pilot and commercial manufacturing, transitioning from gram-scale to 100+ kilogram production.

• Develop robust, safe, and reproducible chemical processes for transfer to technical manufacturing and chemical operators.

• Identify, evaluate, and implement process equipment necessary for safe and efficient production operations.

• Work in laboratory and manufacturing environments to support process development, troubleshooting, and scale-up activities.

• Train Chemical Operators and Production Chemists on process execution, safety requirements, and scaled manufacturing procedures.

• Analyze and interpret 1D and 2D proton NMR data to confirm molecular structure and reaction performance.

• Perform and analyze UPLC-MS, LC-MS, and other analytical methods to support process development and product characterization.

• Evaluate process performance, reaction variables, and scale-up challenges through experimental design and data analysis.

• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams for successful implementation of new processes.

• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation and data packages for regulatory submissions.

• Support compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including EPA-regulated manufacturing operations.

• Maintain a strong commitment to process safety and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with 5+ years of demonstrated Process Chemistry experience or M.S. in Chemistry with 10+ years of significant hands-on process development and scale-up experience.

• Hands-on experience taking chemical processes from the lab to manufacturing, with a proven track record of scaling reactions from grams to kilograms and commercial production volumes.

• Strong understanding of process scale-up, optimization, technical transfer, and chemical manufacturing operations.

• Experience working with production-scale reactors.

• Background in synthetic organic chemistry and chemical process development.

• Knowledge of GLP, GMP, cGMP, or regulated manufacturing environments.

• Proficiency with LC-MS, UPLC-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and other chemical structural characterization techniques.

• Experience utilizing scientific chemical databases such as SciFinder.

• Strong experimental design, technical writing, and data analysis skills.

• Ability to work independently and drive projects with minimal supervision.

• Strong communication skills and ability to train and mentor production personnel.

• Commitment to laboratory and manufacturing safety.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with statistical software.

• Experience supporting EPA-regulated manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

The role offers significant autonomy and technical ownership within a lean and collaborative team environment. You will work hands-on in both the laboratory and manufacturing plant, tackling complex, multi-step synthetic chemistry and challenging scale-up projects. The position involves exposure to reactor scale-up ranging from laboratory batches through 400L, 800L, and 2,000L manufacturing reactors. Initially, work will be based out of the Kinsman Blvd site, with a transfer to the Windsor facility following its expansion in two years. The company culture promotes celebrations of anniversaries and holidays, with cookouts during the summer, outings like golf and bowling, and access to a well-equipped onsite gym. Employees enjoy a comprehensive compensation package with health, dental, vision benefits, short-term disability, vacation, personal days, and bonuses.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

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.

Compensation package: health benefits, eligible first of month HRA Dental Vision Short term disability Vacation Holiday personal days 401K plan

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.