Quality Control Chemist

Quality Control Chemist (Overnight Shift)The Quality Control Chemist performs testing and evaluation of raw materials, bulk products, and finished goods in a GMP laboratory environment to ensure all products meet quality specifications and customer standards. This role focuses on accurate analytical testing, thorough documentation, troubleshooting out-of-specification results, and continuous improvement of laboratory processes. The position offers exposure to a wide variety of products, opportunities for growth into more complex methods and instrumentation, and an overnight schedule that requires a high degree of independence and responsibility.ResponsibilitiesPerform testing and evaluations of raw materials, bulk products, and finished products in accordance with written procedures and established test methods.Ensure current standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test procedures are followed and properly applied during all laboratory activities.Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant documentation records in alignment with GMP requirements and cGMP principles.Develop and maintain a strong understanding of various testing methodologies, including appropriate techniques, limitations, and potential sources of error.Keep laboratory notebooks, test records, and related documentation neat, legible, and organized at all times.Maintain clean, orderly, and well-organized work areas, including benches, equipment, and storage spaces.Verify that test results meet current product specifications and customer standards prior to completion or approval.Perform batch adjustments as needed during batch-making procedures to ensure products meet defined quality criteria.Troubleshoot out-of-specification (OOS) situations by investigating potential causes and working toward resolution.Ensure current reference standards and product standards are properly maintained, labeled, and used within their assigned validity.Update test procedures and product specifications as needed to reflect current requirements, methods, and best practices.Accurately record all analytical data and pertinent information in accordance with cGMP requirements.Document monthly Key Quality Incidents (KQIs) accurately and on time, ensuring trends and issues are clearly captured.Document OOS situations, determine root causes, and propose possible corrective and preventive actions.Maintain compliance with current regulatory expectations and practices, including relevant pharmacopeial standards such as USP.Utilize laboratory data to identify and drive improvement efforts so that customer requirements and regulatory regulations are consistently met.Support and promote a culture of lean action within the department by seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline processes.Use laboratory equipment such as pH meters, Brookfield spindle viscometers, and analytical balances accurately and safely.Perform visual and odor inspections of products and materials as part of routine quality evaluations.Adapt to changing priorities, business needs, and customer demands while maintaining high quality and productivity.Work independently during overnight shifts as the sole laboratory employee at the facility, while coordinating with counterparts and quality leadership at another site when needed.Participate in training and transition schedules, including daytime training and gradual shift changes, to ensure readiness for full overnight responsibilities.Support special projects or additional testing requirements that may arise due to increased customer volume or new product introductions.Essential Skills0–2 years of GMP laboratory experience, with a minimum of 6 months in a chemistry lab environment preferred (such as pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal care, or food processing).Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related science discipline preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.Hands-on laboratory experience with wet chemistry techniques.Experience using core laboratory instruments such as pH meters, Brookfield spindle viscometers, and analytical balances.Ability to perform visual and odor inspections as part of routine quality control activities.Familiarity with GMP and cGMP requirements and the ability to maintain compliant documentation.Strong understanding of basic chemistry principles and laboratory safety practices.Ability to troubleshoot out-of-specification results and contribute to root cause investigations.Comfort working independently, particularly during overnight shifts, while maintaining high accuracy and quality.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks or changing priorities.Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to maintaining neat, accurate records.Capability to support a lean culture by identifying opportunities for process and efficiency improvements.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, or food processing is preferred.Exposure to or experience with solution preparation and wet chemistry titrations.Familiarity with advanced analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, and UV is a plus.Interest in learning and training on more complex methods and instrumentation, including HPLC, after 9–12 months.Ability to document Key Quality Incidents (KQIs) and OOS investigations clearly and thoroughly.Comfort using data to identify trends, drive improvements, and support regulatory and customer requirements.Ability to work across multiple sites as needed and support another facility when business needs require.Willingness to occasionally work hours outside the standard schedule based on business demands, customer volume, or special projects.Physical ability to perform a moderate to high level of activity, including standing, moving between work areas, and using stairs as needed.Work EnvironmentThis Quality Control Chemist role is primarily based at a laboratory facility in Eden Prairie and operates on an overnight schedule of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday. The position is primarily indoors and involves working in a QC laboratory environment with exposure to fragrances and raw materials, which may occasionally be present at elevated levels. While the role is based in Eden Prairie, there may be business needs to support a nearby facility approximately 15 minutes away, so candidates should be comfortable working at either location. Training lasts approximately three weeks, with the first two weeks on a standard daytime schedule of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by a transitional week on a later shift alongside a team member to ease into the overnight schedule. During the overnight shift, the QC Chemist is the sole laboratory employee at the site, but support is available from a counterpart at the other facility and from quality leadership, along with other departments working on-site. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring comfort with changing priorities, moderate to high physical activity, and use of stairs as needed. The role offers exposure to a wide range of products, including beauty, bath and body, lip balms, skincare, sunscreens, cleaning detergents, and other consumer products, with clear opportunities for growth and promotion every few years for those who are a strong fit. Benefits include billable accruable vacation, billable holiday pay for standard holidays, and billable sick pay.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eden Prairie, MN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.00 - $27.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Eden Prairie, MN.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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