TEMP - Analytical Chemist I

Associate Analytical Chemist Contaminants Job 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.
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.
Meet testing turnaround times and batch expectations based on daily workload and efficiency.
Accept and apply feedback to improve performance and maintain focus in a production-like, fast-paced setting.
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.
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.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented laboratory environment.
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 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.
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.
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
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)
Employee Assistance Program
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.
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.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.
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
AI helps assess applications
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.