Job Description
Job DescriptionJob Title: Chemist
Job Description
This role supports an analytical testing department by performing a variety of wet chemistry and UV analyses to ensure accurate and reliable test results. The chemist prepares samples, solutions, and mobile phases, and carries out routine Level 1 and 2 chemistry and UV assays in a laboratory setting. This position offers the opportunity to build strong analytical chemistry skills while contributing to high-quality testing for products in the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical markets.
Responsibilities
- Perform wet chemistry analyses in accordance with established methods and procedures.
- Perform UV analyses using appropriate instruments and techniques.
- Conduct routine testing for Level 1 and Level 2 chemistry assays following standard operating procedures.
- Conduct routine testing for Level 1 and Level 2 UV assays to support analytical projects.
- Prepare samples for analytical testing, including accurate weighing, labeling, and handling.
- Prepare solutions and mobile phases required for analytical testing, ensuring correct concentrations and documentation.
- Operate basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pipettes, pH meters, and volumetric glassware for bench chemistry tasks.
- Record data accurately and maintain clear documentation in alignment with good documentation practices (GDP).
- Work with HPLC, UV-Vis, and other analytical instrumentation in compliance with laboratory procedures and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
- Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to enter, track, and retrieve test data and sample information.
- Collaborate with a team of chemists to meet testing timelines and support ongoing research and testing projects.
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to dress code requirements.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment and support continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
- 0–1 years of chemistry testing experience in a laboratory setting.
- Demonstrated bench chemistry skills, including operation of analytical balances, pipettes, pH meters, and volumetric transfers.
- Hands-on experience or training in wet chemistry techniques.
- Experience with or exposure to HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography).
- Experience with or exposure to UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- Understanding of analytical chemistry principles and practices.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in a laboratory environment.
- Knowledge of good documentation practices (GDP) for recording and managing laboratory data.
- Ability to navigate and use a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and documenting results.
- Ability to follow written procedures and standard operating procedures consistently.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team of chemists.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Interest in analytical testing for food, beverage, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical products.
- Interest in working with advanced botanical testing methods such as HPTLC and other state-of-the-art equipment.
- Willingness to learn new analytical techniques and instrumentation.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work to meet testing deadlines.
- Commitment to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement in laboratory work.
- Motivation to grow within the organization, with openness to internal advancement opportunities.
- Strong organizational skills for managing samples, reagents, and documentation.
Work Environment
You will work as part of an analytical team of approximately 10–11 chemists in a laboratory environment. You will have your own desk for documentation and data analysis while spending a significant portion of time in the lab operating instruments such as HPLC, UV-Vis, and other analytical equipment. The laboratory uses a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and standard office software to manage data and communication. The team emphasizes a kind, collaborative culture with a focus on work-life balance, flexibility where needed, and opportunities for internal promotion and career growth. The dress code is casual and safety-conscious: jeans, a shirt, and closed-toe shoes are required, while ripped jeans and open-toe shoes are not permitted.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Garden Grove, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Garden Grove,CA.
Application Deadline
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.