Chemical Technician

Job Title: Chemical Technician Job Description
The Chemical Technician conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests to support scientists in performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of solid, liquid, and gaseous materials. This role focuses on research and development in an experimental laboratory, including collecting samples, producing compounds, and supporting projects related to mineral scale control and mineral flotation in the mining industry.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with scientists to support research projects in the mining industry, including mineral scale control and mineral flotation studies.
- Perform mineral precipitation tests by calculating and preparing dilutions, setting up and running reactions, and analyzing solutions using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA).
- Prepare and analyze mineral samples by grinding ore, pressing pellets, performing gravimetric analysis, and running x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements.
- Communicate clearly with scientists to understand tasks for different projects, explain experimental results, and plan an efficient work schedule.
- Carefully follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for moderately complex but routine tasks and instrumentation to ensure consistency and reliability of results.
- Make detailed observations during laboratory work and promptly report potential issues, anomalies, or safety concerns to scientists.
- Prioritize safety by understanding and adhering to laboratory protocols, including proper chemical handling and waste disposal procedures.
- Maintain clean and organized laboratory spaces and equipment, and proactively restock supplies as needed to support continuous operations.
- Use digital tools to tabulate, organize, and plot data, document experimental results, and prepare reports for scientists.
- Support multiple projects simultaneously by effectively managing time, resources, and experiment schedules.
- Contribute to method development and improvement of testing or experimental protocols to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.
- Collaborate as a team player in a dynamic lab environment, sharing observations and opinions to improve experimental approaches and outcomes.
Essential Skills
- At least one year of experience working in a chemistry or microbiology laboratory; 02 years of relevant experience required.
- Associate's degree in applied science or a related field required.
- Bachelor's degree in mining engineering, materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering preferred.
- Experience working directly with scientists in support of research projects.
- Hands-on experience with one or more analytical instruments or spectroscopy techniques such as XRF, XRD, ICP, IC, AA, IR/FTIR, UV/Vis, turbidity, colorimetry, HPLC, GC, MS, or NMR.
- Experience performing one or more wet chemical methods, including titrations, acid digestion, gravimetry, chromatography, or electrochemistry.
- Basic knowledge of chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and the chemical processes and transformations they undergo.
- Ability to follow SOPs and laboratory protocols accurately and consistently.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage an experimental schedule.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent observational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills to explain results and collaborate with scientists.
- Analytical and problem-solving ability to interpret data and troubleshoot experiments.
- Time management skills to support multiple projects simultaneously.
- Comfort asking questions and sharing observations or opinions to clarify tasks and improve outcomes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Degree in mining engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related scientific field.
- Experience with chemical handling in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to new product development and manufacturing process support.
- Experience with titration and chromatography techniques in research or quality control settings.
- Experience with method development or improvement of testing and experimental protocols.
- Ability to learn new skills quickly and adapt to a dynamic laboratory environment.
- Creativity in approaching experimental challenges and optimizing procedures.
- Team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach to research projects.
- Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and well-structured data sets.
Work Environment
This position is based in an experimental research laboratory environment that supports mining-related projects and chemical analyses. The role operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Work involves routine use of chemical reagents, laboratory instrumentation, and analytical equipment such as spectroscopy and wet chemistry tools. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols, proper waste disposal, and careful chemical handling. Laboratory spaces are maintained to be clean, organized, and well-stocked, with a culture that encourages collaboration, clear communication, and continuous learning in a dynamic research setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.00/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 Naperville, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Naperville,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.

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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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