Chemist
Not Disclosed•ContractorOn-site
location_on640, 1st Street, Lemont, Lemont Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60439, United States
About the Team
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services, connecting visionary companies with specialized experts to drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network spanning the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, we support Fortune 500 clients in advancing their scientific initiatives. This role sits within a research-focused environment dedicated to scientific rigor, safety, and high-quality data generation.
About the Role
This Chemist position is designed for a professional who thrives in a leading research environment focused on advanced materials. You will play a pivotal role in preparing and analyzing samples for electrochemical energy storage materials, nanomaterials, and catalysts. The role bridges the gap between research and scale-up, providing the technical expertise necessary to ensure accurate, timely reporting of analytical results.
Your day-to-day involves operating a wide range of modern analytical instruments, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and maintaining laboratory procedures. Beyond the bench, you will contribute to the scientific community by generating high-quality data that supports co-authorship on publications. The culture emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and learning, offering the opportunity to work closely with researchers, interns, and postdoctoral scientists.
Hiring Process & Application
This is a Contract to Hire position based in Lemont, IL. Applications are accepted until June 10, 2026. Actalent utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates; however, all final hiring decisions are made by the human hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge that your application may be reviewed using these tools.
For candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com.
Equal Opportunity & Culture
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also adhere to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for relevant positions and comply with Massachusetts laws regarding lie detector tests.
Work location
Work model: On-site
640, 1st Street, Lemont, Lemont Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60439, United States
Lemont, Illinois
Key Responsibilities
- check_circlePrepare, characterize, and analyze samples for advanced materials including electrochemical energy storage and nanomaterials
- check_circleConduct complex multi-instrument analyses using ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS, and other advanced techniques
- check_circleTrain new users and operators on instrument operation, safety requirements, and data quality expectations
- check_circleCollaborate with researchers to support experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific publications
- check_circleMonitor instrument usage logs and verify that trained operators follow proper procedures consistently
- check_circleParticipate in rotating weekend schedules to verify continuously running systems maintain integrity
- check_circleDevelop, write, and update standard operating procedures and safety documentation for laboratory operations
- check_circlePerform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of analytical instruments to minimize downtime
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- verified3+ years experience operating analytical and materials characterization equipment
- verifiedExpert-level skills in ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRD, TGA/DSC, SEM-EDS, ion beam milling, microwave sample digestion
- verifiedHands-on experience with ICP-MS, BET, XRPD, TGA/DSC
- verifiedExperience with GC, HPLC, GC-MS, ICP, pH measurements
- verifiedAbility to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
- verifiedAbility to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance and calibration on analytical instruments
- verifiedAbility to train and mentor other users
- verified3-5 years experience in analytical chemistry or materials characterization
- verifiedExperience with FTIR, GPC, and BET surface area analysis
- verifiedFamiliarity with writing and updating SOPs and safety plans
Nice to Have
3-5 years of experience in analytical chemistry, materials characterization, or a closely related field. Experience with SEM-EDS, ICP-OES, FTIR, and microwave sample digestion techniques. Experience with BET surface area analysis and XRPD for material characterization. GPC experience, with the ability to independently operate and manage GPC analyses. Experience working in research-focused laboratory environments, particularly those involved in chemical synthesis, advanced materials, or biochemical research. Familiarity with writing and updating SOPs, safety plans, and other technical documentation. Interest in contributing to scientific publications and collaborative research outputs.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleMedical, dental, and vision insurancecheck_circleCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurancecheck_circle401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributionscheck_circleVoluntary Life and AD&D insurance for employee and dependentscheck_circleShort and long-term disability insurancecheck_circleHealth Spending Account (HSA)check_circleTransportation benefitscheck_circleEmployee Assistance Programcheck_circleTime Off/Leave including PTO, Vacation, and Sick Leave
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Icp-MS, Icp-Oes, XRD, Tga/dsc, Sem-Ed S, Ion Beam Milling, Microwave Sample Digestion, GC, HPLC, GC-MS.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
Frequently asked questions about Chemist at Actalent
What does a Chemist at Actalent do?expand_more
In this Chemist at Actalent role, you will prepare, characterize, and analyze samples for advanced materials including electrochemical energy storage and nanomaterials; conduct complex multi-instrument analyses using icp-ms, xrd, sem-eds, and other advanced techniques; train new users and operators on instrument operation, safety requirements, and data quality expectations; and collaborate with researchers to support experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific publications.
What are the requirements for this Chemist role?expand_more
Actalent is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; 3+ years experience operating analytical and materials characterization equipment; Expert-level skills in ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRD, TGA/DSC, SEM-EDS, ion beam milling, microwave sample digestion; Hands-on experience with ICP-MS, BET, XRPD, TGA/DSC; Experience with GC, HPLC, GC-MS, ICP, pH measurements; and Ability to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Where is the Chemist role at Actalent located?expand_more
Chemist at Actalent is based in 640, 1st Street, Lemont, Lemont Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60439, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Chemist job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Actalent has listed this Chemist role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Chemist role?expand_more
Chemist at Actalent typically requires 3–5 years of relevant experience at the mid level level.
What skills do you need for the Chemist role at Actalent?expand_more
Key skills for Chemist at Actalent include Icp-MS; Icp-Oes; XRD; Tga/dsc; Sem-Ed S; Ion Beam Milling; Microwave Sample Digestion; and GC.
What education is required for Chemist at Actalent?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
What category does the Chemist role belong to?expand_more
Chemist at Actalent is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.