HPLC Chemist

Job Title: QC Chemistry Associate II – (HPLC Chemist)

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting in-process and finished product testing in a contained chemistry lab that works with antibiotic materials. You will perform routine laboratory analyses on in-process samples, finished products, raw materials, and stability samples using wet chemistry techniques and advanced analytical instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on HPLC. You will join a fast-paced team of approximately ten colleagues in a sterile, contained facility and play a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory analysis of in-process, finished product, raw material, and stability samples in a contained chemistry lab.
• Conduct wet chemistry testing, including titrations and other standard analytical chemistry techniques.
• Operate and maintain analytical instruments such as HPLC, UV-Vis, FTIR, TOC analyzers, and pH meters to support quality control testing.
• Apply strong HPLC methods to analyze materials used in antibiotics within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Follow established quick testing methods to support timely release and monitoring of products.
• Document all test results accurately and in compliance with GMP and quality control standards.
• Adhere to laboratory procedures, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical quality control.
• Collaborate with a team of approximately ten lab professionals in a fast-paced environment to meet production and testing timelines.
• Ensure proper handling of antibiotic materials and follow all containment and sterility protocols.
• Participate in training activities and apply learned procedures to day-to-day laboratory work.
• Support troubleshooting of analytical methods and instrumentation as needed to maintain consistent test performance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspace, including proper gowning and de-gowning procedures.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including showering upon entry to and exit from the a contained facility to prevent cross-contamination.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, with Chemistry preferred.
• 2–3 years of hands-on HPLC experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including titrations and routine analytical chemistry methods.
• Experience operating HPLC, UV-Vis, FTIR, TOC analyzers, and pH meters in a quality control laboratory.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment and manage a high volume of routine testing.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data recording and documentation within GMP frameworks.
• Comfort working in a sterile, contained facility with strict gowning and decontamination procedures.
• Flexibility to work rotating extended shifts (4x10 schedule with regular overtime).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with GC in addition to HPLC is highly beneficial.
• Strong foundation in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical laboratory practices.
• Prior experience in a sterile or controlled environment is an advantage.
• Ability to follow complex SOPs and regulatory guidelines consistently.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with laboratory team members.
• Ability to adapt to rotating schedules and extended workdays.
• Commitment to high standards of quality, safety, and contamination control.

Work Environment

• This position is based in a pharmaceutical chemistry lab focused on antibiotic materials, using HPLC instruments and wet chemistry techniques such as UV-Vis and FTIR.
• The facility operates under GMP and sterile conditions, with a quick-paced atmosphere and close collaboration within a team of about ten professionals.
• The role follows a 4x10 schedule with regular overtime, including rotating end-of-weekday and end-of-weeknight shifts (for example, Wednesday–Saturday one week and Thursday–Saturday the following week), typically from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• You will work in a contained environment where strict gowning procedures are required, before entering the lab. To prevent cross-contamination and avoid bringing antibiotic materials outside the facility, you must shower upon entry to and exit from the contained area.
• The lab uses modern analytical equipment, and the culture emphasizes safety, precision, regulatory compliance, and teamwork in support of hospital-focused sterile solution manufacturing.

This is a Contract position based out of Irvine, CA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $31.00/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 Irvine,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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 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.

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.