Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Associate Analytical Chemist ContaminantsJob Description

This role focuses on analytical testing of food and dietary supplements for nutritional value and contaminants in a fast-paced laboratory environment. The Associate Analytical Chemist will prepare samples and standards, perform extractions, and operate chromatographic and mass spectrometry instrumentation, with an emphasis on LC-MS. The position offers strong exposure to advanced analytical instrumentation, hands-on training from senior chemists, and opportunities to learn additional assays and grow within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare dilutions, standards, and sample solutions for analytical testing.

• Perform solid phase extraction (SPE) procedures for contaminant analysis.

• Train on at least one LC assay and support LC-MS workflows, including sample preparation, extraction, and instrument operation.

• Run gravimetric assays and high-volume creatine assays according to established methods.

• Once trained, learn and perform additional assays using GC-MS, FID, and other analytical techniques.

• Work alongside senior chemists to gain proficiency in instrumentation, metrology, and troubleshooting.

• Follow aseptic techniques and good laboratory practices to ensure sample integrity and data quality.

• Maintain accurate records of analyses, results, and any deviations in accordance with laboratory protocols.

• Adapt to changes in assay methods and procedures, particularly for the creatine assay, and implement updated instructions promptly.

• Meet testing turnaround times and batch expectations based on daily workload and efficiency.

• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding progress, issues, and results.

• Accept and apply feedback to improve performance and maintain focus in a production-like, fast-paced setting.

• Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment and support cross-team flexibility when needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related life science or STEM field.

• Completion of at least one analytical chemistry course is strongly preferred.

• 12 years of hands-on HPLC experience.

• Experience with LC-MS in a laboratory setting is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of biology, microbiology, aseptic technique, chemistry, and biochemistry.

• Proficiency working in a laboratory environment with analytical instrumentation.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to completing tasks accurately and on time.

• High level of communication skills and an outgoing, collaborative approach.

• Ability to adapt to change and follow new directions in assay procedures.

• Capacity to accept feedback, adjust methods, and maintain focus under close observation of assay performance.

• Flexibility to support different teams or groups within the lab as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with GC-MS and flame ionization detection (FID) is a plus.

• Familiarity with metrology and instrument troubleshooting is beneficial.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented laboratory environment.

• Comfort with repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage workload based on batch expectations and efficiency.

• Interest in ongoing professional development and learning new assays and technologies.

• Eligibility for education reimbursement, including tuition, registration, and laboratory fees up to a defined annual maximum for full-time employees who meet service and performance criteria.

• Education reimbursement available for relevant programs at regionally accredited universities, contingent on performance, budget, and alignment with the current role or career progression.

Work Environment

The role is based in a laboratory setting that focuses on testing food and dietary supplements for nutritional value and contaminants. The environment is fast-paced and can feel production-oriented, as testing must be completed according to client timeframes and batch expectations. Work can become repetitive depending on the specific group and assays performed, but there is strong exposure to a wide range of analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, and FID. You will work alongside senior chemists who provide training on instrumentation, metrology, and troubleshooting. The number of batches set per day depends on efficiency, and there is flexibility in workload within the expected range. The lab operates with standard laboratory attire and safety practices appropriate for handling samples and analytical equipment, and the culture emphasizes internal promotion, team fit, and opportunities to move between teams when appropriate.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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 Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 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 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.