Chemist

Job Title: Chemist – Regulated Bioanalytical Laboratory
Job Description

This entry-level Chemist position supports a regulated BioAnalytical team performing biological sample preparation and analysis in a highly structured, GLP-compliant laboratory. You will begin by focusing on wet lab extractions of biological samples and, over time, progress to operating advanced analytical instrumentation such as HPLC and LC-MS, as well as automated liquid-handling robotics. This role offers extensive training, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to own the full sample analysis process rather than only a small portion of the workflow.

Responsibilities

• Perform biological extractions on samples such as urine, blood, plasma, and other biological matrices following established protocols.
• Focus initially on wet lab techniques, including solution preparation, pipetting, and sample handling, to support regulated bioanalytical studies.
• Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment, including balances, pH meters, and pipettes, ensuring accurate and precise measurements.
• Use electronic laboratory notebook software (eWorkbook) on a tablet to document experimental procedures, observations, and results in a timely and compliant manner.
• Work under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, strictly following standard operating procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Progress, after approximately 6+ months of wet lab experience, to operating HPLC and LC-MS (HPLC–Mass Spectrometry) instrumentation for analytical testing, with accelerated training if you have prior experience.
• Support the operation of robotics for automated liquid handling once foundational wet lab skills are established.
• Follow structured test methods and established protocols, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and reproducibility of results.
• Take ownership of the full sample analysis process, from extraction through analysis and documentation, rather than performing only a single step.
• Collaborate closely with trainers and team members, actively participate in training sessions, and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Recognize and report errors or deviations promptly, document corrective actions, and implement changes to prevent recurrence.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and leadership in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, ensuring clear handoffs and status updates.
• Contribute to a team-oriented culture by supporting coworkers, sharing knowledge, and maintaining a positive, professional attitude.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related life science field.
• At least 1 year of academic laboratory experience in chemistry or undergraduate research involving pipetting, solution preparation, and related wet chemistry techniques.
• Hands-on pipetting skills and experience preparing solutions with attention to accuracy and precision.
• Fundamental understanding of wet chemistry techniques and laboratory safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following structured procedures and regulations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with the team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated sense of ownership and responsibility for the quality and accuracy of your work, including recognizing errors and implementing improvements.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player in a laboratory setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HPLC, LC-MS, or Mass Spectrometry is highly desirable and can accelerate training on analytical instrumentation.
• Previous experience in a regulated or GLP laboratory environment is a plus.
• Comfort working within highly structured, protocol-driven workflows and an affinity for following rules and established procedures.
• Organizational skills, including making lists, managing tasks systematically, and seeking clear answers to questions.
• Customer-facing or service industry experience (such as food service, bartending, or similar roles) that demonstrates ability to work under pressure, multitask, and communicate effectively in a team.
• High level of reliability, accountability, and willingness to learn continuously through an extended training program.
• Interest in long-term professional growth within a bioanalytical laboratory environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a laboratory setting as part of a BioAnalytical team of approximately 100 employees, with most work performed at the bench. The environment is highly structured and regulated under GLP, with established tests and protocols guiding daily activities. You will routinely use laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, pipettes, and automated liquid-handling systems, and will document all work in an electronic lab notebook (eWorkbook) using a tablet. The role includes an extensive training program over approximately 6–9 months, supported by multiple dedicated trainers who guide you from initial wet lab work to full sample analysis and instrument operation. The culture emphasizes continuous learning, strong teamwork, and giving chemists ownership of their sample analysis process. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, paid time off with 24 days accrued per year (prorated in the first year), seven paid holidays (as applicable to your schedule), educational assistance, an employee assistance program, and participation in a tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan with employer match after six months of employment. Merit-based raises are provided annually, and pay increases typically occur when transitioning to full-time employment.

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 $24.00 - $26.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

wet chemistry techniques, biological sample preparation, hplc, lc-ms, solution preparation, pipetting, laboratory safety practices, sample analysis process, mass spectrometry, liquid handling robotics, electronic laboratory notebook software, error reporting, training participation, customer service, Laboratory Technician, Associate Scientist, Senior Scientist, Laboratory Analyst, Principal Scientist, Senior Staff Scientist, Quality Control Technician, Senior Process Engineer, Purification Supervisor, Biochemist Technician