Chemist 1 (1st Shift Weekends)

Job Description

Job Description

Chemist I – Quality Control (Weekend Day Shift)

Build your chemistry career in a hands-on, high-impact lab environment

Kickstart your career in chemistry with a role designed for growth, learning, and real-world impact. As a Chemist I, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products by performing analytical testing in a dynamic Quality Control (QC) laboratory.

This position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career chemists looking to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard techniques like HPLC and GC, while building a foundation for advancement into Quality, Analytical Development, or specialized lab roles.

You’ll begin with a structured weekday training program before transitioning to a weekend-focused schedule (Friday–Monday)—giving you three days off each week while contributing to critical lab operations.

• Perform analytical testing using techniques such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, titration, and wet chemistry
• Prepare samples through dilution, filtration, centrifugation, and other methods
• Ensure accuracy by running quality control samples and verifying results
• Document and report data with precision using laboratory systems and logs
• Support laboratory operations, including instrument calibration and maintenance
• Maintain compliance with GMP standards and safety protocols
• Collaborate with a team of scientists to troubleshoot and resolve analytical challenges

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (required) or related science field
• 0–2 years of lab experience (internships, academic labs welcome!)
• Exposure to HPLC or GC techniques (academic or industry)
• Familiarity with wet chemistry and sample preparation techniques
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking skills
• Willingness to learn and thrive in a regulated (GMP) environment

• Experience with GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, or similar instrumentation
• Prior work in a pharmaceutical or QC lab environment
• Interest in growing within Quality or Analytical Development functions

• Hands-on training with advanced analytical technologies
• Clear path for career growth and advancement
• Work with a collaborative, supportive lab team
• Gain experience in a regulated pharmaceutical environment
• Enjoy a 4-day workweek with 3 days off

• Training: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (first ~3 months)
• After training (Weekend Shift):
  • Friday & Monday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

You’ll work in a growing QC laboratory supporting pharmaceutical testing, using modern instrumentation in a GMP-regulated setting. The role involves standing for extended periods and handling laboratory equipment, with a strong emphasis on safety, accuracy, and teamwork.

This is more than a job—it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re aiming to specialize in analytical techniques, move into Quality, or expand into research and development, this role offers the experience and mentorship to get you there.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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 Niles,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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 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.