Scientist II

Job Title: Scientist II Job Description
The Scientist II will support the Reference Standards Laboratory by performing analytical testing and interpreting complex data to advance multiple ongoing projects. This role focuses on sample preparation, data acquisition and analysis, thorough documentation of experimental activities, and clear reporting of results. The Scientist II will work both independently and collaboratively with a highly skilled team to ensure project milestones are met in a fast-paced, ISO-regulated laboratory environment, with extensive exposure to chromatography, spectroscopy, and a wide variety of chemical structures and molecules.
Responsibilities
- Perform analytical testing using gas chromatography (GC) and other analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and spectroscopy as required for multiple reference standards projects.
- Prepare samples accurately and efficiently to support high-quality analytical testing and data generation.
- Acquire analytical data using GC and other relevant instruments, ensuring proper instrument setup, calibration, and method execution.
- Analyze and interpret complex analytical and spectral data, including NMR and chromatographic data, to support chemical structure evaluation and characterization.
- Use software tools such as TopSpin and Empower 3 for data acquisition, processing, and reporting of analytical results.
- Document all laboratory testing activities, experimental procedures, and observations in a clear, accurate, and timely manner in accordance with laboratory procedures.
- Review and verify analytical results and documentation to maintain data integrity and compliance with established laboratory standards and procedures.
- Prepare and deliver clear, concise reports of experimental results and data interpretations to project teams and stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with other scientists and team members to ensure timely completion of project deliverables and adherence to project timelines.
- Maintain compliance with laboratory procedures, ISO regulations, and safety guidelines while performing all assigned laboratory tasks.
- Contribute to multiple quick-turn reference standards projects, supporting evaluations and standards-setting activities for a wide variety of molecules.
- Operate and support high-field NMR instruments under the guidance of a knowledgeable NMR team, contributing to 510 NMR projects per month as needed.
- Help maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment by following proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures for chemicals and materials.
- Work independently in a fast-paced laboratory setting while effectively prioritizing tasks across multiple concurrent projects.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on laboratory experience in an analytical chemistry environment.
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to interpret complex data sets and spectral information.
- Proficiency in analytical testing techniques, including gas chromatography (GC).
- Experience with data acquisition, processing, and reporting for analytical instruments.
- Ability to perform accurate sample preparation for chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses.
- Competence in data analysis and spectral interpretation, particularly for NMR and chromatographic data.
- B.A./B.S. in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant laboratory experience, or M.S. degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
- Ability to work independently and manage workload in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Strong documentation skills with attention to detail and adherence to laboratory procedures.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team to meet project milestones.
- Prior hands-on experience with GC instrumentation, including data acquisition and reporting, to enable immediate contribution to ongoing laboratory projects.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Background in Chemistry or Organic Chemistry with familiarity in analytical chemistry concepts.
- Experience with NMR spectroscopy and spectral interpretation using TopSpin software.
- Experience with HPLC and chromatography-based methods, including work in analytical laboratories focused on chromatography, MS, and GC-MS.
- Proficiency with Empower 3 or similar chromatography data systems for data acquisition and analysis.
- Familiarity with spectroscopy techniques beyond NMR, such as UV/Vis or related methods.
- Experience working in an ISO-regulated laboratory or other regulated laboratory environment.
- Comfort working on multiple quick-turn projects and managing shifting priorities in a reference standards or standards-setting context.
- Interest in working with a large and diverse catalogue of molecules and chemical structures, gaining exposure to a high volume of materials over time.
- Desire to learn from and collaborate with a highly knowledgeable NMR and analytical team in a large, well-equipped laboratory setting.
Work Environment
This role is fully onsite in a large, ISO-regulated analytical laboratory environment with extensive exposure to chromatography, mass spectrometry, GC-MS, NMR, and related analytical technologies. The laboratory operates in a high magnetic field environment, and team members must be able to work safely around high-field NMR instruments; individuals must not have pacemakers or other medical implants that could be affected by strong magnetic fields. The position involves working with materials across different chemical hazard classifications, following established safety protocols at all times. Standard laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles, but full cleanroom gowning is not required. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, offering exposure to a wide range of operations, quick-turn projects, and a large catalogue of more than 4,000 products. The culture emphasizes safety, organization, scientific rigor, and professional growth, providing opportunities to contribute to high-profile projects while keeping the laboratory efficient and well-organized.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Rockville, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $44.64 - $58.58/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Rockville, MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Rockville,MD. 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.

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