Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Associate Analytical Chemist Job Description
The Associate Analytical Chemist supports routine laboratory testing by performing chemical identification and quality assessments on a variety of samples. This role focuses on wet chemistry and gravimetric analyses while gaining hands-on experience with a broad range of analytical instrumentation. You will work independently, juggle multiple assays, and contribute to accurate, timely test results in a dynamic laboratory environment with strong growth potential.
Responsibilities
- Perform chemical identification and quality testing on a wide range of samples to support routine laboratory operations.
- Conduct wet chemistry and gravimetric analyses in accordance with established laboratory procedures and test methods.
- Prepare samples for analysis, including measuring, diluting, and handling materials, and adding appropriate reagents.
- Execute analytical test methods accurately and consistently to generate reliable data for internal and external stakeholders.
- Operate and gain experience with analytical instruments such as FTIR, UV-Vis, HPLC, GC, IC, and automated titration systems.
- Manage and juggle a variety of assays each day, ensuring tests are completed within required timeframes.
- Work independently to plan daily workload, prioritize tasks, and maintain high efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of testing, documentation, and data recording.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices while working with chemicals and instrumentation.
- Contribute to meeting client timelines by treating testing activities with a production-focused mindset when required.
- Adapt to repetitive tasks when assigned to specific groups while sustaining accuracy and quality standards.
- Collaborate with team members and leadership as needed to support laboratory goals and continuous improvement.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science discipline.
- Foundational knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory practices.
- Experience or coursework involving wet chemistry techniques.
- Exposure to or experience with HPLC or GC instrumentation.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple assays and responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample preparation, testing, and documentation.
- Efficient work habits with the ability to learn new methods and instruments quickly.
- Dependable, self-motivated approach to independent work in a laboratory setting.
- Strong work ethic with a coachable attitude and openness to feedback.
- Flexibility and comfort with performing a variety of tests and tasks, often changing from day to day.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous laboratory experience in a high-volume or fast-paced testing environment is a plus.
- Experience working with FTIR, UV-Vis, IC, and automated titration systems is beneficial.
- Ability to thrive in a setting where work can be repetitive depending on group assignment.
- Interest in career growth within the laboratory, including opportunities to move into technical lead, supervisory, or support roles over time.
- Strong organizational skills and time management capabilities to meet client-driven deadlines.
- Comfort working in a production-oriented testing environment while maintaining quality standards.
Work Environment
This role is based in a laboratory setting focused on testing food and dietary supplements for nutritional value. The environment is fast-paced and can feel production-oriented, as tests must be completed according to client timeframes. Work may become repetitive depending on the specific group you join, and you will run a variety of assays and methods, often facing new challenges each day. You will work with modern analytical technologies and equipment, including FTIR, UV-Vis, HPLC, GC, IC, and automated titration systems. The lab culture emphasizes strong growth potential, with opportunities to advance into technical lead, supervisory, or support roles and to move between teams as your career progresses.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $25.00/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 Madison, WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI. 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
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] 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.