Chemist III

Job Title: Chemist III

Job Description

The Chemist III applies advanced analytical chemistry techniques to support pharmaceutical research and development, with a focus on complex impurity profiling and characterization of drug products and peptides in a regulated environment. This role plans and executes laboratory experiments, develops and troubleshoots analytical methods, and delivers high-quality, GxP-compliant data that advances emerging cGMP manufacturing processes. The Chemist III works independently, interprets complex data, and communicates findings clearly to interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply analytical separation and detection techniques to perform complex impurity profiling of pharmaceutical products and support understanding of emerging cGMP manufacturing processes.

• Plan, execute, and complete assigned laboratory tasks using standard procedures and a solid technical understanding of analytical techniques.

• Independently generate precise, reliable, and reproducible analytical data in a timely manner while meeting regulatory and GxP requirements.

• Document all experiments, methods, and results accurately and comprehensively in accordance with regulatory and GxP documentation standards.

• Demonstrate strong experimental precision and data interpretation skills, and apply core analytical chemistry principles to solve complex problems.

• Develop protocols for more complex tests or experiments, including assays with less-defined parameters, and optimize methods for robustness and reliability.

• Independently develop and troubleshoot analytical methods, particularly chromatography-based methods such as HPLC and GC.

• Apply mass spectrometry and LC/MS techniques to support characterization, impurity profiling, and structural elucidation of small molecules and peptides.

• Support analytical method development and characterization activities for pharmaceutical R&D programs, including synthetic molecule and peptide development.

• Ensure all work complies with safety, GxP, GMP, and GLP expectations when performing laboratory tasks and handling materials.

• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality, GxP-compliant analytical data and contribute to stability studies, trending analysis, and impurity profiling as needed.

• Use computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and instrument-related systems, to manage data, reports, and laboratory records.

• Operate and maintain analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, LC/MS, and chromatography data systems, ensuring proper calibration and performance.

• Present experimental findings, data interpretations, and conclusions to larger audiences, including interdisciplinary scientists and engineers.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, providing analytical expertise and clear communication to support project goals.

Essential Skills

• Strong technical experience in analytical chemistry with excellent analytical problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to independently develop and troubleshoot analytical methods for complex pharmaceutical samples.

• Hands-on experience with chromatography method development and analysis, including HPLC and GC.

• Fundamental understanding and practical experience with mass spectrometry and LC/MS-based analytical techniques.

• Experience generating, interpreting, and presenting complex analytical data for pharmaceutical R&D programs.

• High-quality written and oral communication skills and ability to interact effectively with interdisciplinary scientists and engineers.

• Practical knowledge of organic structure, functional groups, and chemistry as applied to small-molecule and/or peptide analytical analysis.

• Experience with modern spectroscopic and analytical techniques relevant to small-molecule and peptide characterization.

• Familiarity with GMP and GLP principles and experience working in a regulated laboratory environment.

• Strong documentation skills and ability to maintain GxP-compliant records and reports.

• Experienced use of analytical instruments including HPLC, GC, LC/MS, and chromatography data systems such as Empower, OpenLab, or Chromeleon.

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Medical Technology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Minimum 5+ years of analytical chemistry experience in industry and/or academia.

• For Bachelor's or Master's degree holders, at least 5+ years of pharmaceutical industry laboratory experience.

• For Ph.D. candidates, at least 5+ years of combined academic research and/or industry experience.

• Demonstrated ability to support pharmaceutical R&D programs, including analytical method development and characterization activities.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex analytical or technical challenges independently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with dissolution method development and analysis.

• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry with analytical characterization and testing of drug products, particularly solid oral dosage forms including immediate and extended release formulations.

• Experience with peptide analysis, characterization, and impurity profiling.

• Experience supporting synthetic molecule development programs.

• Knowledge of stability studies, trending analysis, and impurity profiling for complex peptide products.

• Familiarity with chromatography data systems such as Empower, OpenLab, or Chromeleon.

• Knowledge of GMP and GLP environments and expectations.

• Ability to present experimental findings to larger groups with clear and concise communication.

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field is preferred for candidates seeking more senior analytical responsibilities.

Work Environment

The role is based in a laboratory environment focused on pharmaceutical research and development and operates under GxP, GMP, and GLP expectations. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Chemist III works hands-on with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, LC/MS, and chromatography data systems including Empower, OpenLab, and Chromeleon. The environment emphasizes laboratory safety, proper handling of chemicals and pharmaceutical materials, and strict adherence to regulatory and documentation standards. Work involves frequent use of computer systems for data acquisition, analysis, and reporting, as well as collaboration with interdisciplinary teams in a professional, research-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $45.00/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 North Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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 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.