Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Analytical Chemist

Job Description

This contract role supports a rapid improvement project in analytical chemistry, focusing on color and texture analysis for food products. You will develop and validate analytical methods, work with color measurement and texture analysis instrumentation, and translate client formulations to internal equipment capabilities. The position combines predominantly desk-based method development and documentation with hands-on laboratory validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical activities for a rapid improvement project in analytical chemistry, with a focus on color and texture evaluation of food products.
• Utilize Hunter color instruments (Color Measurement Spectrophotometer) and colorimetry techniques to measure and interpret product color.
• Perform texture analysis using appropriate instrumentation and methods to assess product properties.
• Develop, write, and optimize analytical methods, ensuring they are clear, robust, and reproducible.
• Validate new and existing analytical methods in the laboratory, including testing, documenting results, and refining procedures as needed.
• Evaluate and test new analytical instrumentation to determine suitability, performance, and reliability for project needs.
• Review client formulations and translate them into workable formulations using internal instrumentation and analytical capabilities.
• Troubleshoot differences between client instrumentation and internal equipment, and devise approaches to replicate or approximate client results.
• Document all analytical procedures, validation protocols, and results in a clear and organized manner for future reference and quality control.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure analytical methods meet project requirements and support product quality objectives.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of experience in analytical chemistry or a closely related analytical role.
• Knowledge in analytical chemistry, including method development and validation.
• Hands-on experience with texture analysis techniques and instrumentation.
• Proven ability to write clear, detailed analytical methods and standard operating procedures.
• STEM degree (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics).
• Experience working within a quality-focused environment, such as quality control or analytical testing.
• Ability to interpret and apply client formulations to internal laboratory equipment and processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the food industry, particularly with analytical testing of food products.
• Direct experience with Hunter color instruments and colorimetry methods.
• Knowledge in quality control within a manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills for working with differing client and internal instrumentation.
• Ability to manage project-based work within a defined timeframe, such as a 3‑month assignment.

Work Environment

You will work in an environment focused on developing and analyzing fruit-based products for dairy applications. The role involves a mix of office and laboratory settings, with a significant portion of time spent at a desk writing and refining analytical methods, and additional time in the lab validating those methods and testing instrumentation. The schedule offers flexibility in start times, with the option for reduced Friday hours during the summer and potential availability to work four 10-hour days. You will work with modern analytical tools, including color measurement spectrophotometers, colorimetry systems, and texture analyzers, in a professional, quality-driven laboratory environment.

This is a Contract position based out of Brecksville, OH.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $40.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Brecksville,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.