Analytical Chemist II

Job Title: Analytical Chemist II Job Description
The Analytical Chemist II performs advanced analytical testing and research, including sample preparation, operation of analytical instrumentation, data analysis, and interpretation. This role prepares clear technical reports and communicates results to internal and external stakeholders. The position requires strong technical expertise in chromatography and wet chemistry, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform analytical research and testing for research, development, and quality control projects, including method selection, sample preparation, instrumentation operation, data analysis, interpretation, reporting, and communication of results.
- Operate, maintain, and assist with troubleshooting chromatographic instrumentation, including GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC-MS systems.
- Support method optimization and validation, chromatographic analysis, and sampling techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of analytical methods.
- Conduct organoleptic evaluations as determined by project teams and the Sensory Department, contributing to flavor and fragrance assessment as needed.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and customer-facing project teams to support project objectives and resolve technical questions.
- Create, organize, and maintain paper and electronic product folders to ensure accurate documentation and traceability of analytical work and results.
- Maintain and order laboratory supplies, inventory, and equipment consumables to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment by following internal safety guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support quality, food safety, and compliance programs, including GMPs, HACCP, SQF, Kosher, Halal, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, DEA, and FSMA, as well as other relevant regulatory and certification standards.
- Apply wet chemistry techniques and general chemical laboratory practices in support of analytical and research activities.
- Use laboratory software and data systems to collect, process, and archive analytical data, ensuring accuracy and integrity of records.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, or a closely related scientific field.
- 35 years of related analytical chemistry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in analytical chemistry within a laboratory environment, including chromatography and wet chemistry techniques.
- Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting chromatographic and laboratory instrumentation, including GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC-UV, HPLC-RI, HPLC/MS, SPME, headspace techniques, and thermal desorption systems.
- Strong technical skills in chromatography, including method development, optimization, and data interpretation.
- Working knowledge of laboratory software and Microsoft Office applications for data processing, reporting, and documentation.
- Ability to analyze complex data sets, interpret results accurately, and prepare clear, concise technical reports.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and data integrity.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Understanding of GMP and other quality and regulatory frameworks relevant to food, flavor, fragrance, or related industries.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in the flavor or fragrance industry is preferred; experience in pharmaceutical environments from the nutritional side is also valued.
- Experience with ChemStation, MassHunter, and NIST software platforms is preferred.
- Familiarity with organoleptic and sensory evaluation practices for flavor and fragrance products.
- Knowledge of food safety and quality systems such as HACCP, SQF, Kosher, Halal, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, DEA, and FSMA compliance programs.
- Ability to manage laboratory inventory, supplies, and consumables efficiently.
- Strong organizational skills for maintaining product folders and laboratory documentation in both paper and electronic formats.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, Monday through Friday, first-shift position with a slightly flexible start time to accommodate reasonable scheduling needs. The role is based in a laboratory environment that focuses on both flavor and fragrance samples, requiring careful handling of chemical materials and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines. The laboratory emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and safe operating practices, with regular use of advanced chromatographic and analytical instrumentation such as GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC systems. Team members work closely with R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and sensory groups in a collaborative, project-driven setting. Standard professional laboratory attire is expected, including appropriate personal protective equipment as required by safety protocols.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Northbrook, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $47.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Northbrook, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Northbrook,IL. 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.

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
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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
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shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
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