Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Analytical Chemist Job Description
The Analytical Chemist will work in a materials characterization laboratory, independently performing routine and non-routine analytical methods to support a broad range of chemical products. This role focuses on spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography, and thermal analysis, with a strong emphasis on accurate data generation, lab safety, and effective collaboration across multiple lines of business within an analytical lab environment.
Responsibilities
- Follow all safety procedures consistently and act in a safe manner at all times while working in the laboratory.
- Independently perform relatively complex routine and non-routine analytical methods, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and chromatography.
- Operate instruments and laboratory equipment in accordance with specific methods and established protocols.
- Complete assigned analytical work in a timely manner, ensuring all tasks are carried out efficiently and accurately.
- Record and process experimental data accurately using laboratory notebooks and computer software.
- Report results reliably using Excel spreadsheets and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Assist with laboratory organization, including supporting renovation activities and lab moves as needed.
- Apply a solid understanding of general chemistry and organic chemistry to experimental design and data interpretation.
- Conduct standardized materials characterization tests, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and thermal analysis.
- Maintain neat working habits and good laboratory practices to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe work area.
- Communicate findings and updates clearly through strong oral and written communication, including reports and presentations.
- Learn new analytical methods quickly and apply them independently while maintaining high quality standards.
- Work both independently and as part of a team, contributing actively to shared objectives and collaborative projects.
- Use Microsoft Office programs and LIMS systems to document, analyze, and share data effectively.
- Actively contribute to organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on objectives, and maintaining a strong focus on performance and safety.
- Build collaborative relationships within the lab and across teams, using positive communication and influence to optimize diverse talent and improve organizational capabilities.
- Support troubleshooting activities for chromatography instruments and other analytical equipment as needed.
- Perform wet chemistry procedures and thermal analysis, including basic maintenance of thermal instruments.
- Demonstrate responsible and ethical behavior in all aspects of laboratory work and decision-making.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in chemistry or a closely related field.
- 12 years of experience working in an analytical laboratory environment.
- Basic understanding of general chemistry and organic chemistry.
- Hands-on experience in a materials characterization laboratory performing standardized tests, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and thermal analysis.
- Understanding of basic chemical principles and physical properties of polymer materials.
- Strong laboratory skills with neat and organized working habits.
- Ability to learn analytical methods quickly and apply them independently.
- Experience using Microsoft Office programs for data analysis and reporting.
- Experience working with LIMS systems for data management and sample tracking.
- Experience with Empower software for chromatography data acquisition and processing.
- Experience in chromatography instrument troubleshooting.
- Experience with wet chemistry techniques, thermal analysis, and thermal instrument maintenance.
- Good oral and written communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to team efforts.
- Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times in the laboratory.
- Ability to support complex decision-making and help drive greater value by understanding the business context of laboratory work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working across multiple lines of business within an analytical laboratory environment.
- Ability to optimize diverse talent and build collaborative relationships within and across teams.
- Strong focus on performance, continuous improvement, and safety in day-to-day work.
- Comfort working with a variety of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography, and thermal analysis.
- Proficiency in using Excel spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting.
- Ability to contribute to laboratory organization, including supporting renovations and lab moves.
- Positive communication style that supports teamwork, constructive feedback, and shared problem-solving.
- Motivation to grow within a large chemical manufacturing environment and explore opportunities across different labs and product lines.
Work Environment
This role is based in a laboratory environment on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday. The position is fully on-site and requires presence in the lab five days a week. The laboratory focuses on materials characterization for a wide range of chemical products, including pharmaceuticals, paints, polymers, paper, and pulp, providing exposure to multiple lines of business. The work involves regular use of analytical instruments such as UV-Vis and infrared spectrometers, optical microscopes, size exclusion chromatography systems, thermal analysis equipment, and related lab tools. Data is managed and reported using Excel, Empower software, and a LIMS system. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety procedures, ethical conduct, and neat, organized laboratory practices, with opportunities to participate in lab organization, renovations, and moves as the facility evolves.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, DE.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $32.40/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 Wilmington, DE.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,DE. 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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sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
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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
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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
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