R&D Chemist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Chemist (Chemist II or Chemist III)

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to serve as an R&D Chemist at either a Chemist II or Chemist III level, depending on experience. You will work closely with a small, collaborative team to perform HPLC and other solid dosage testing on nutraceutical products, lead or support finished product stability studies, and contribute to method development and small bench-scale formulation. The position combines hands-on analytical work with lab coordination tasks such as ordering, documentation, and preparation of samples for external contract laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside another chemist to perform HPLC assays and other solid dosage testing, including disintegration and weight discrepancy testing, primarily on finished nutraceutical products.
• Run approximately 3–4 HPLC assays per week, working primarily with Shimadzu HPLC instrumentation on small molecule analyses.
• Conduct finished product stability studies as a primary responsibility, including planning, execution, and documentation of stability study interval testing.
• Perform routine analytical testing using HPLC and wet chemistry techniques in a laboratory environment.
• Prepare and organize samples and associated paperwork for submission to external contract laboratories, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Enter analytical data and stability study results into LIMS and other electronic software systems, maintaining fully electronic documentation (no paper lab notebooks).
• Support method development and validation activities and assist with systems improvements under appropriate supervision.
• Assist with small bench-scale formulation work and small-scale stability studies as needed.
• Order and manage laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies, planning ahead for upcoming testing and stability needs.
• Coordinate ordering and purchasing for the lab for the coming months, including tools and materials needed for stability interval testing.
• Prepare and send equipment out for calibration and ensure instruments are maintained in good working order.
• Follow hazardous waste handling requirements and assist with hazardous waste disposal in accordance with lab procedures.
• Maintain general lab cleanliness, organization, and a safe working environment, including routine cleaning tasks.
• Complete detailed, accurate documentation for all testing and stability work in compliance with internal quality and, as applicable, GMP expectations.
• Contribute to product development and other non-routine tasks based on experience level and project needs.
• For Chemist III level: take on more administrative responsibilities in the lab, including overseeing lab ordering, coordinating sample shipments to contract labs, and managing stability interval tools.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree minimum, preferably in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Approximately 5–10 years of experience as a chemist in a laboratory environment (quality or R&D) within nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or similar industries.
• Hands-on experience performing HPLC assay testing in a lab environment, preferably in an R&D setting, but quality control lab experience is also suitable.
• Proficiency with analytical chemistry techniques and small molecule HPLC methods.
• Experience working with Shimadzu HPLC instrumentation or similar systems.
• Solid dosage testing, including disintegration and weight discrepancy testing.
• Experience in quality control or R&D environments, ideally under GMP or similar regulated conditions.
• Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques used in analytical and stability testing.
• Ability to conduct and document finished product stability studies and interval testing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan ahead, manage multiple tasks, and maintain consistent, efficient workflows.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain a high level of attention to detail in documentation and testing.
• Comfort with fully electronic documentation systems, including LIMS and related software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical industries.
• Experience working specifically with finished products is a significant plus.
• Experience with botanicals and botanical-based products is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with hazardous waste handling and disposal requirements.
• Experience supporting method development and validation activities.
• Exposure to or experience with small bench-scale formulation work.
• For Chemist II: approximately 5 years of experience, with a focus on routine HPLC work and some physical testing in the lab.
• For Chemist III: approximately 5–10 years of experience, with readiness to handle broader administrative and coordination responsibilities in the lab and flexibility on degree type.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a small team environment and communicate clearly with colleagues and external labs.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite role at a small R&D facility in Mission Viejo, working in a laboratory environment focused on nutraceutical products. You will work closely with one full-time chemist, one part-time chemist, and an R&D manager, with a total of about a dozen people onsite, fostering a close-knit and collaborative culture. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The lab relies on chemists who are organized, independent, and proactive, with the ability to plan needs for the coming weeks and manage their time without excessive downtime. The environment emphasizes consistency, efficiency, and multitasking, with responsibilities that span hands-on bench work, electronic documentation, and coordination with external contract labs. Standard laboratory attire and appropriate safety gear are expected. Employees are eligible for yearly salary increases, paid time off (including 40 hours of PTO), and access to medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits. Additional partner perks may include discounts on cell phone plans, consumer goods, and other services, along with eligibility for California sick pay after the specified employment period.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mission Viejo, CA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Mission Viejo,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.